Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo, known historically as the Portland Zoo and the Washington Park Zoo, is a prominent zoological institution located in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1888, it holds the distinction of being the oldest zoo situated west of the Mississippi River in North America. The zoo is a 64-acre facility owned by the regional Metro government and serves as a major visitor attraction, drawing over 1.7 million visitors annually.

History and Development

The zoo's origins trace back to Richard Knight, who began collecting animals and eventually donated two bears to the city of Portland in 1888. The collection expanded rapidly, and by 1894, it housed over 300 animals. The zoo underwent several relocations within Washington Park, with its current site being established in stages between 1958 and 1959. It was officially renamed the Oregon Zoo in 1998.

Animal Collection and Exhibits

Currently, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing over 230 species, including a significant number of endangered and threatened species. Notable exhibits include the Africa Savanna, Discovery Plaza, Great Northwest, and Primate Forest. The zoo also maintains an extensive plant collection throughout its grounds.

Conservation and Breeding Programs

Conservation is a core mission of the Oregon Zoo, which actively collaborates with wildlife agencies and conservation organizations. The zoo has been instrumental in recovery projects for species such as California condors, Mazama newts, western pond turtles, and various butterfly species. It was the first zoo globally to successfully breed critically endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits and Oregon silverspot butterflies. The zoo also supports elephant conservation efforts in Borneo and has developed groundbreaking polar bear conservation science programs.

Notable Animals and Events

The zoo achieved international recognition for its Asian elephant breeding program, particularly with the birth of "Packy" in 1962, the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years. Packy became a symbol of the zoo and contributed to its status as a world leader in elephant breeding. The zoo has also been home to other notable animals, including the Sumatran orangutan Inji and the Amur leopard Boris. The zoo has also experienced notable incidents, including a tragic event in 1970 involving lions and a later incident of animal abuse in 2000 that led to the "Rose-Tu law" in Oregon.