Historic Oregon Zoo: Have a roaring good time!
Nestled in the picturesque west hills of Portland, the Oregon Zoo is the perfect day trip. Its proximity to downtown and other attractions like the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden help to make it a convenient excursion for both city residents and visitors.
The Oregon Zoo is a modern endeavor focused on the latest ecological and environmental concerns, but it also has a long, rich history. Opened in 1888, it can claim the title as the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. The zoo originally opened as the Washington Park Zoo, but changed its name to reflect the zoo’s stature as the largest and most popular zoo in the state.
If you are new to the Pacific Northwest, there is no better place to start than the zoo’s Great Northwest exhibit. It is off to your left after coming in through the main entrance. You will at once see the beauty that surrounds Portland and all the states in the region. Taking a trip through this exhibit puts you face-to-face with the many animals that make the Cascade Mountains their home. From the ever popular black bears to the industrious otters, you will see how nature and animals interact.
Of course, no trip to the zoo is complete without an escape from the rainy, cloudy climate of Portland to the grasslands of the safari. These types of exhibits are what first popularized zoos in America, and the Oregon Zoo seems to take special pride in making it an authentic experience. Since it re-opened in September 2009, the "Predators of the Serengeti" exhibit brings visitors close to everything one can see on the nature channels. The lions and cheetahs are the main attraction, but zoos are always great for discovering the lesser known characters such as a caracal or dwarf mongoose.
A trip to the Oregon Zoo should be thought of as an all-day excursion. It has many different exhibits and many sights to see, so remember to take the “hippest little railway” in Portland, the Washington Park & Railway. For only $3.50 (children under 3 are free), visitors can rest their tired feet without having to miss out on any of the exhibits.
The Oregon Zoo is a creative, changing environment. Each visit can bring a new experience or encounter with a little known animal. The zoo prides itself on “creating a better place for animals and our visitors.” In 2010, the Oregon Zoo is opening two new exhibits, the “Red Ape Reserves” and “Fragile Forests.”
For all the details including special events and new exhibits, visit the Oregon Zoo website by clicking here.
- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro
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William CraneWilliam Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues.
Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.
