Portland, OR. The Oregon Zoo bid a sad farewell in mid-September to Mochica, elder statesman of the Humboldt penguin colony and a distinguished seabird ambassador for more than three decades. At 31 years old, he was one of the oldest — and best-loved — penguins on the planet.
“Mochica was the oldest male of his species in any North American zoo or aquarium, maybe the whole world,” said Travis Koons, who oversees the zoo’s bird populations. “His remarkable longevity says a lot about both his zest for life and the quality of care he received over the years.”
Mochica hatched July 6, 1990, at the Oregon Zoo and was hand-reared, a standard practice at the time. But Mo, as he was known for short, grew up different from the other chicks. More than any penguin in the zoo’s large Humboldt colony, he enjoyed spending time with people, often choosing keepers’ quarters over the company of his fellow birds in the Penguinarium.
Here’s a video about the special penguin:
“It was pretty common to walk into the keeper kitchen area and find Mo ‘helping’ with the food prep or just hanging out with care staff there,” Koons said.
Mo was equally fond of visitors to the penguin area, who would meet him on behind-the-scenes tours. Eventually, Koons said, he became the zoo’s “greatest ambassador,” personally greeting thousands — perhaps tens of thousands — of visitors, and helping to raise awareness about a species in decline. It was a role he seemed to relish. As one former keeper put it, “Mochica rarely met an arm he didn’t love to groom.”
Wild Humboldt penguins seldom live past 20, and Mochica, who turned 31 in July, had been slowing down for several years. Over the past couple of years, animal-care staff had been monitoring him closely and treating a variety of age-related ailments.
“He had a mature cataract in one eye, old-age haze in the other, bilateral arthritis in his hips,” Koons said. “He was just a very old bird. It was hard for him to see, and at times difficult for him to walk.”
Koons praised the efforts of care staff, who did everything they could to ease the elderly penguin’s discomfort, sneaking a daily dose of meloxicam into his sustainable-seafood breakfast and scheduling regular laser-therapy sessions with specialists from Kenton Animal Hospital. Eventually, though, Mo’s conditions deteriorated, and on Saturday veterinary and care staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him.
“It’s an incredibly sad day for his care team and for everyone who spent time with this amazing bird,” Koons said. “We’ve all had times in our lives where animals have left an indelible mark on our hearts. Mochica has done that for thousands of people. He inspired generations.”
Koons hopes Mochica’s legacy will be continued conservation, particularly for Humboldts, which among the most at-risk of penguin species with a population estimated at just 12,000 breeding pairs.
“Humboldt penguins live in a region that’s greatly affected by human activity,” he said. “They need healthy ocean habitats to thrive, and we can help make a difference — even in simple ways like downloading the Seafood Watch app and choosing sustainable seafood.”
Native to the South American coastline off Peru and Chile, Humboldt penguins are classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. They are threatened by overfishing of their prey species, entanglement in fishing nets, and breeding disruption due to commercial removal of the guano deposits where the birds lay their eggs.
The Oregon Zoo has supported Peru-based conservation organization ACOREMA’s work to protect the Humboldt penguin. ACOREMA monitors penguin mortality and works closely with San Andrés fishermen to mitigate the practice of hunting penguins for food. The group also trains volunteer rangers, reaching out to 3,000 students, teachers and Pisco-area residents a year to raise awareness about penguin conservation.
The 64-acre Oregon Zoo is located in Portland, a city and surrounding metropolitan area of 2.26 million people. Annual attendance is more than 1.5 million, making the zoo the top paid attraction in the Pacific Northwest.
The Oregon Zoo Foundation, the zoo’s philanthropic partner, plays an integral role in supporting the zoo’s animal welfare, conservation and education programs. Since its inception in 1997, the foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has rasied more than $84 million for the zoo’s top priorities.
Portland, OR. Receiving the keys to a home you helped build is a dream come true for families who participate in the Habitat for Humanity program. The ‘Hard Hat & Black Tie’ virtual benefit on September 17th raised over $405,000 to further the mission of the nonprofit. It works alongside families to, “instill the core values of self-reliance, stability, and strength. With the help of our local community and through sweat equity, families can have a safe and comfortable place to call home.”
Organizers planned what they described as an inspirational evening to hear stories from the community, “and learn how we can be a part of building strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.”
Habitat for Humanity volunteers help first-time homeowners with landscaping, gardening, building projects, clean-up, painting and assembling flat-packed furniture, and more.
Here’s a video about the program:
From Habitat for Humanity:
At Habitat for Humanity, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that starts with a stable and healthy place to call home. Founded in 1981, we have built and repaired homes in partnership with over 1,700 people right here in the Portland Metro region. With plans to triple the number of people we serve every year, we are invested in creating a Portland where everyone has the opportunity to build a better life.
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East is a part of a global nonprofit housing organization that works in communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in 70 countries.
Our Vision: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Portland, OR. Portland Opera will celebrate its return to the Keller Auditorium with four performances of Puccini’s grand opera Tosca. Masks and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, will be required at all four performances. Tosca: will take the stage October 29th & 31st, and November 4th & 6th. Digital access will also be available for a limited time on Portland Opera Onscreen, starting November 16th. “We are over the moon to welcome audiences back to the Keller Auditorium with Tosca this fall” says Sue Dixon, General Director of the opera. “We are approaching this production with the health and wellbeing of our entire community at the forefront of our minds and are dedicated to presenting this piece as safely as possible.”
The opera tells the story of Tosca, a renowned diva, in Rome in 1800. An artist-activist has won her heart, and his revolutionary sympathies provoke the wrath of Scarpia, the corrupt chief of police. Her devotion and moral resistance are challenged by abuses of power, attempted rape, and tragedy—as this high drama builds to its haunting finale
Alexandra LoBianco will sing the title role of Tosca. LoBianco, whose performance as Tosca has been described as “thrilling” by Opera News, will make her Portland Opera debut in the title role.
Noah Stewart will sing the role of Cavaradossi in Portland Opera’s production of Tosca.
Stage director Linda Brovsky will make her Portland Opera debut directing this grand, traditional production.
Performances will also feature the talented local and regional musicians who make up Portland Opera’s orchestra and chorus.
With the launch of the 21/22 season, Portland Opera welcomes Artistic Director Priti Gandhi, who joined the staff in early September. “I am delighted to be here in Portland for my first production as Artistic Director, and to welcome this incredible cast and creative team to Portland” shares Gandhi. “Tosca is full of passion, romance, tragedy, and politics. It is the perfect grand opera for a return to the theater.”
This production will feature a number of company debuts, including tenor Noah Stewart as Cavaradossi, baritone Gordon Hawkins as Scarpia, and tenor Katherine Goforth as Spoletta. Baritone Deac Guidi returns to Portland Opera as Sacristan, bass-baritone Damien Geter (Portland Opera’s co-artistic advisor) returns as Angelotti and the Jailer, and baritone Zachary Lenox returns as Sciarrone.
Conductor Tiffany Chang will conduct Puccini’s lush score, which features the beloved arias “Vissi d’arte,” “E lucevan le stelle,” and “Recondita armonia.” Chang, who makes her debut at Portland Opera as well as Opera Columbus this season, serves as artist-faculty at Oberlin Conservatory and Berklee College of Music, and was a recipient of a 2020 Solti Foundation U.S. Career Assistance Award as well as a recent OPERA America Grant for Women Stage Directors and Conductors.
Stage director Linda Brovsky will make her Portland Opera debut directing this grand, traditional production. Performances will also feature the talented local and regional musicians who make up Portland Opera’s orchestra and chorus.
All ticketholders, regardless of age, will be required to show proof of full COVID vaccination or of negative test results from a COVID PCR test (taken within 72 hours of performance time) for entry into the theatre. “Fully vaccinated” means that ticketholders have received their final vaccination dose of either the two-dose regimen of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of Johnson & Johnson at least 14 days before the performance date. Audience members aged 18 and over must also present a photo ID. Trained entry staff will be on site at the theatre to review proof of vaccination upon arrival. All patrons, regardless of age, test results, and vaccination status, are required to wear masks inside the theatre at all times, except when consuming food or beverages in permitted areas. Ticketholders will receive additional instructions about how to prepare for onsite entry activities and what to expect. Detailed information about Portland Opera’s COVID-19 policies can be found here. If postponed, alternate COVID-19 dates for this production are May 13 – 21, 2022.
From Portland Opera:
Patrons under the age of 12, for whom there is no currently available vaccine, are not permitted to attend performances in the 21/22 season, or until further notice. The company will work with families and educators for increased and accessible digital access and supporting curricula for arts and opera experiences
Tosca is generously supported by Curtis T. Thompson, MD & Associates and Winderlea Vineyard & Winery. Portland Opera appreciates the ongoing support of our generous donors, The Collins Foundation, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Regional Arts and Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund, special support from The CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund, and The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program.
Tosca Tickets and Information
Performances take place at 7:30PM at the Keller Auditorium with the exception of the matinee on October 31 which begins at 2:00PM. One hour prior to each performance, audience members are invited to a pre-show lecture. After each performance, audience members are invited to a post-show conversation with company and cast members.
Tosca will be sung in Italian with projected English translations. The running time of Tosca is 2 hour and 45 minutes, with two intermissions.
Student rush tickets are available for performances of Tosca, starting two weeks prior to the performance. Call 503-241-1802 Monday through Friday from 10AM–5PM for more information. Portland Opera is proud to also work with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (vettix.org) to share tickets to the performance on November 4 with U.S. Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families. In addition, a limited number of free tickets are available through My Discovery Pass, a program created by Multnomah County Library that offers access to local museums and cultural institutions for library card holders.
A limited number of $5 tickets for Oregon Trail Card holders are available two weeks prior to each performance, subject to availability. These tickets must be purchased via phone by calling 503-241-1802.
The performance on October 31 at 2pm will include an audio description of the visual and physical events on stage for patrons who are blind or have low vision. For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, each performance is visually translated with English text projected above the stage.
Tickets for Tosca are now available, starting at $35. Digital passes to stream this performance on Portland Opera Onscreen will be available for $50. Digital access will be available from November 16th through December 31st.
For more information, and to purchase tickets visit portlandopera.org or call Patron Services at 503-241-1802. For more information, patrons may also contact the Opera Concierge at [email protected], Monday through Friday from 10PM–5PM.
Special Event
Tosca Open Chorus Rehearsal
Sunday, October 3, 2021 | 2pm Outside of the Hampton Opera Center – 211 SE Caruthers St.
This outdoor public working rehearsal will feature the Portland Opera Chorus led by Portland Opera’s Chorus Master & Assistant Conductor Nicholas Fox. The event will be free and open to the public. Masks & proof of vaccination/negative PCR test required.
Tosca Cast & Creative Team
Tosca
Alexandra LoBianco
Cavaradossi
Noah Stewart
Scarpia
Gordon Hawkins
Angelotti/Jailer
Damien Geter
Sacristan
Deac Guidi
Spoletta
Katherine Goforth
Sciarrone
Zachary Lenox
Conductor
Tiffany Chang
Director
Linda Brovsky
Assistant Director
Seth Hoff
Costume Designer
Christine A. Richardson
Lighting Designer
Connie Yun
Dates, programming, artists, and details are subject to change.
Portland, OR. Volunteers have collected a total of more than 51,000 pounds of litter in Downtown Portland over the past year. SOLVE’s monthly ‘Downtown Portland Cleanup Days’ started in September of 2020. More than 5,000 volunteers have pitched in during the coordinated, downtown-wide, litter cleanup effort. SOLVE officials say, “More than 5,000 community members have worked together to lift Portland back up, one piece of litter at a time.”
Volunteers collected large items like couches, pieces of furniture, and car tires, as well as small pieces of litter like bottle caps, cigarette butts, and plastic bottles.
SOLVE’s state-wide programs have held 571 events, empowering 12,193 volunteers who removed 113,226 lbs. of trash, planted 13,748 native trees and shrubs, and removed 180,929 sq. ft. of invasive plants in the last 12 months alone.
In addition to monthly clean-up efforts, SOLVE has weekly ‘Detrash Portland’ events. They connect like-minded volunteers who want to tackle the issue of litter in Portland. Each week, SOLVE supports events throughout the city; it provides cleanup supplies, safety information, and disposal assistance for anyone who would like to improve their neighborhood through the simple act of cleaning up.
From SOLVE, “We take pride in Portland and know that cleaning up is an easy and effective way to give back. Join us at an upcoming event and become a part of the Detrash Portland movement! “
For example, Tillamook County volunteers are wanted for SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, on Saturday, September 25. Projects will include cleanup in Netarts Bay, Rockaway Beach, and Pacific City.
Part of the mission of SOLVE is to educate people about the importance of cleaning up the environment.
SOLVE’s list of learning opportunities: (Most of these opportunities are for high school level readers and above, and cover a variety of environmental topics.)
https://www.edx.org/ – Edx offers a multitude of classes from some of the world’s top universities. Enrolling into a class is free, although you will have to make an account with the website. Options to accredit your online class are available too.
http://conservationwebinars.net/ Conservation is an ever-changing subject, so to keep the science community up to speed, the USDA created a free webinar portal as a part of their Science and Technology Training Library. Webinars vary from being “live” to on-demand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggh0Ptk3VGE – Plastics 101. SOLVE is committed to cleaning our communities and natural landscapes, including Oregon’s beaches, from plastic pollution and other litter. Take a moment to watch National Geographic’s Plastic: 101 video to get acquainted with this material.
Make screen time more valuable! Use this list below to access online resources to keep your child engaged in science and the natural world from home. Do a quick Google search and you’ll find many resources available. Below are just a few that we found particularly interesting.
https://rangerrick.org/stuck-indoors/ – Join Ranger Rick on journeys throughout the natural world! The Wildlife Federation is making all Ranger Rick website activities and online magazines free for the next few months.
https://www.khanacademy.org/ – Khan Academy is stepping up their game, making their online resources more available than ever before. They have also created a learning schedule, that students can log into and experience real-time instruction, to provide some structure to your child’s day at home.
https://citynaturechallenge.org/ – Become a citizen scientist between April 24 – April 27 and help document the biodiversity in your neighborhood. This is a global effort.
From SOLVE:
Founded in 1969, SOLVE’s mission is to bring Oregonians together to improve our environment and build a legacy of stewardship.
SOLVE restores and preserves Oregon’s environment by mobilizing the power of volunteers and partners with the generosity of donors. Across the state, we bring diverse communities together to improve the health and safety of our neighborhoods and natural areas including our coast, rivers, parks, and forests.
We implement litter cleanups because we know the importance of keeping our neighborhoods safe and healthy, while also understanding the importance of picking up litter before it heads downstream, impacting our shared ocean.
We orchestrate year-round beach cleanups because we know they are essential to reducing the harmful effects of plastic pollution and other marine debris.
We plant native trees and shrubs and remove invasive species to help Oregon’s habitats stay healthy, so they can continue to support a wealth of pollinators and other wildlife.
Portland, OR. Lan Su Chinese Garden is open for visitors. Masks are required for all visitors to the garden aged 5 and older, regardless of vaccination status. Zhong Qiu Jie (中秋節), a.k.a. the Mid-Autumn Festival, is considered one of the most important Chinese holidays. Traditionally taking place on the fifteenth day of the eight-month of the lunar calendar, the Mid-Autumn Festival is usually on or close to the time of the “Harvest Moon” when the moon appears at its fullest during the autumnal equinox. During the weekend of September 18th and 19th, the garden will be adorned with countless hanging lanterns. There will be a lantern-making activity, storytelling, chopstick challenge, and calligraphy demonstration. This daytime festival is free with garden admission or membership.
The garden is also offering a virtual tour so people can enjoy images of the garden from the comfort of their homes. The botanical garden featuring rare plants native to China, decorative stonework & a tea shop is located at 239 Northwest Everett Street. The garden takes up an entire block of the city’s historic Chinatown district.
Events and concerts are offered, year-round like the Takohachi drummers.
The garden is also encouraging contactless visits. An app has an audio tour and a series of interactive scavenger hunts, photo challenges, and multiple-choice trivia questions. with the help of the following:
Musicians like OregonKotoKai regularly perform at the garden.
The garden is getting ready for a benefit fundraiser. The virtual event will coincide with the celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday when the family is reunited to share stories, eat mooncakes, and gather under the moon.
The Lan Su Chinese Garden is an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built by Suzhou artisans, that brings together art, architecture, design, and nature in this 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition. It’s an inspiring, serene setting for meditation, quiet thought and tea served at The Tao of Tea in the authentic teahouse at Tower of Cosmic Reflections, as well as public tours of the grounds led by expert horticulturalists.
The mission of Lan Su Chinese Garden is to cultivate an oasis of tranquil beauty and harmony to inspire, engage and educate our global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture.
Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland’s greatest treasures and most interesting sites to see while visiting Portland. A result of a collaboration between the cities of Portland and Suzhou, our sister city in China’s Jiangsu province that’s famous for its beautiful Ming Dynasty gardens, Lan Su was built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou and is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China.
Much more than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder — a powerfully inspiring experience based on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that melds art, architecture, design, and nature in perfect harmony.
Last spring, Executive Director Elizabeth Nye released a statement against Asian hate:
Amidst the hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, our hearts break for our brothers and sisters of the AAPI community. We want to make our voice very clear— Lan Su is standing united with the Oldtown Chinatown community to strongly condemn racial intolerance and violence. This is no place for hate.
Built on the friendship between Portland and our sister city, Suzhou, China, Lan Su has always been an inclusive haven in Oldtown that inspires cross-cultural connections. From the planting of a single osmanthus tree to the raising of countless red lanterns, the garden has become the perfect backdrop for stories to be told, history to be learned, and diversity to be celebrated.
On the path to grow and evolve as a nonprofit organization, we are always learning with our community and listening carefully to your voices. Share your opinions with the garden by e-mailing us at [email protected].
Walking through Portland’s Oldtown-Chinatown arch, you would be greeted by an inscription that reads “四海一家”, which means “One family from the Four Seas” in Chinese, a heartfelt wish to everyone, wherever they have traveled from, to find their community here in peace. A wish that we hope you can join us, to make happen.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you "like" us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you'll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we'll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
