Portland, OR. Special Olympics Oregon (SOOR) held its ‘Breakfast of Champions’ on October 13th. Money raised will support Special Olympic athletes’ participation in programs such as Unified Champion Schools, athletic events across the state, access to wellness programs, social engagement, and more.
Special Olympics Oregon athletes compete in sports like swimming, soccer, basketball, softball, esports and track.
The online event featured KGW News Anchor, Drew Carney and musical guest, Shawn Hinz, performing an original song.
Special Olympic athletes are looking forward to having things get back to normal after a lot of virtual participation. According to the nonprofit, here’s the plan:
The target date for Phase 2 is January 1, 2022 with a return to statewide sports. The plan is to offer a traditional SOOR Winter Sports Season featuring basketball, power lifting, and snow sports. Our hope is that public health trends allow for gathering and other safety restrictions to be relaxed or eliminated and for competitions to be offered locally as well as regionally. More information about a transition into Phase 2 will be shared toward the end of 2021.
Below is a recording of the program. Donations are still being accepted.
From SOOR:
Covid update: While Oregon has now opened with fewer restrictions, there is still risk associated with Special Olympics Oregon returning to in-person activities at this time. Community spread of COVID-19 continue to occur in several parts of the state. The Delta variant is a growing concern – especially since there are still several counties with vaccine rates lower than 50%. Many of our participants remain at higher risk. It is estimated that as many as one-half to two-thirds of our athletes fall into the high-risk category. For a complete list of the underlying health and other conditions that Special Olympics, Inc. has determined to be high risk, please click here: SOI Fact Sheet: Who Is High Risk. In addition, many of our volunteers may also fall into higher risk categories for infection or negative outcomes due to infection.
COVID-19 VACCINES
Currently, SOOR does NOT require the vaccine to return to in-person participation. Further, we do not collect data on who has and has not been vaccinated or have a reliable means to track this prior to registration for the upcoming season. Special Olympics, Inc (SOI) is currently developing a tracking app that we will consider in the future. In Phase 1, all participants (athletes, Unified partners, coaches, other volunteers) will be held to the same safety and masking protocols regardless of vaccine status.
Everyone age 12 and older are now eligible to get the vaccine in Oregon. Special Olympics encourages everyone who has access to the COVID-19 vaccine, to get vaccinated. The vaccine will help protect you from getting COVID-19. If you still get infected after you get vaccinated, the vaccine works to prevent serious illness. By getting vaccinated, you also help protect people around you. People with intellectual disabilities are almost 6 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. The vaccine helps to reduce the risk of serious disease and death. This information is not meant to be complete, exhaustive, or a substitute for medical professional advice or OHA and CDC guidance and is being made available in the context of the public health emergency related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
For more vaccine-related resources, please see resources on the right-hand side of this page.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING
We are proud of the incredible response we have received from athletes, volunteers, and supporters to our virtual programming during the ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19. The health and well-being of our athletes has been our top priority. As we transition back into some in-person experiences, virtual programming options will remain moving forward. Programs currently being offered include:
SOOR Active
Special Olympics Oregon launchedthis at-home wellness communityin April 2020 and it has grown to more than 1,250 members. SOOR Active provides on-going virtual health education, wellness, sport, fitness, and social experiences. SOOR Active will continued in the future but will modify programming as we return to in person experiences moving forward.
Portland, OR. The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $1,000,000 in grants to eight Oregon and Washington state nonprofits. Those selected, “are celebrating, promoting, advancing, and encouraging women’s participation and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM)”. ChickTech (seen above at a pre-pandemic event) is one of the grant recipients. The nonprofit works to build a pipeline for girls and women in technology.
‘Oregon Robotics Building’ (seen above at a pre-pandemic event) will receive some of the funds to help build participation of Girls in FIRST STEM programs in Oregon.
The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation was founded by Dave and Sally Bany in 1998, “In honor of what would have been my grandmother’s 125th birthday, we are delighted to award eight $125,000 grants to nonprofits in the area working to promote women in STEM,” said Sally Bany, co-founder of the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation. “These nonprofits are truly inspiring, from serving underprivileged areas and creating bilingual STEM programing to serving minority populations and creating summer programs, every nonprofit is on a mission to better the field of technology for women and girls.”
In April of this year, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation announced it would receive additional funds after the passing of Marie’s daughter and Sally’s mother, Columbia Sportswear Company Chairman Gert Boyle. As of today, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation has over $360 million in assets to support its mission and is on track to donate more than $10 million this year.
The sciences have always been an important part of the Lamfrom legacy. “My aunt, Hildegard Lamfrom, daughter of Marie and Paul Lamfrom, would have also celebrated her 99th birthday on June 19th,” continued Bany. Hildegard is remembered for her extraordinary contributions to scientific research as a molecular biologist and biochemist. Her research paved the way for evidence that helped with the mRNA-based breakthroughs used to combat COVID-19.
On October 11th, the finalists were announced. Those receiving a Women in STEM grant from Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation are listed below.
Eureka! is a 5-year STEM program for 8th-12th grade girls and gender-nonbinary youth, the majority of whom are youth of color and youth from underserved families.
The Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation was established by Dave and Sally Bany in 1998 to support nonprofit organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Foundation focuses on nonprofit programs that support education and mentorship, arts and creativity, and health and well-being. The Foundation was named for Sally’s grandmother, Marie Lamfrom. For more information, please visit marielamfrom.org.
West Linn, OR. The Thayer Family Foundation held its official launch party and fundraiser on September 11th at Mike and Kristy Thayer’s Pete’s Mountain Vineyard and Winery. At the event, Tommy Thayer (Board President) & Amy Maxwell (Board Member) helped auction off a Billy Gibbons Guitar. The event raised $535,000 to help Oregon veterans who do not have a home.
Thayer Family Foundation was founded in 2020 with the goal of “Serving Those Who Have Served Others.” The organization was established by Thayer family members in honor of their father, the late Brigadier General James B. Thayer. The focus of the foundation is to support the needs of Oregon veterans, military personnel, and first responders; and those dedicated to societal and culturally significant fields such as educators, musicians, and artists.
Kristy Thayer (Board Member) & Tracy Ann Gill (Board Secretary)
A live auction featured a KISS ultimate concert experience, a custom Harley Davidson motorcycle signed by KISS, exclusive wine tastings, and golf outings.
A gourmet farm-to-table dinner by Allium was proceeded by Portland’s Patrick Lamb’s sax instrumental of “America the Beautiful.”
Nicole DeCosta. & John Thayer (Board Treasurer)
The evening was capped by a special musical performance by American Idol winner Caleb Johnson, Chicago founding member and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer Danny Seraphine, Chicago’s Bill Champlin, Patrick Lamb and KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer.
Aimee and Chris Norch
Thayer brothers Mike, John, and Tommy welcomed guests and spoke of their father’s leadership and community advocacy, and the charitable values both their parents (James and Patricia Thayer) taught them.
Chris Aiosa, Executive Director of Do Good Multnomah, an Oregon-based non-profit that provides supportive housing and low-barrier emergency shelter to houseless veterans in Oregon, spoke of houselessness in Portland reaching crisis levels and finding help for vets currently on the streets. The Thayer Family Foundation’s 2021 initiative is to fund veterans’ housing and find solutions to the houselessness issues in Portland.
The Thayer Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation located at 6200 SW Virginia Avenue, Ste 210, Portland, Oregon 97239.
Portland, OR. Sixty people went “over the edge” and rappelled down the Black Box, 200 SW Market Street, to raise vital funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). First up, On September 24, local celebrities, including Chef Gabriel Rucker and Blaze, the Portland Trail Blazers mascot, got the first chance to rappel the 20-story building during VIP Media Day sponsored by Merrell. Big Sister Elise Spitzer, seen above, was one of many who rappelled down the building. (Photo credit, Adam Levy)
On September 25, fifty individuals who had raised $1,500 each rappelled with family and friends cheering them on as they went over the edge. Over 200 people attended the two-day event and $120,000 was raised. All funds raised will help to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of local youth, helping them reach their potential.
Beach Pace, CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest
Little Brother Tae was the youngest rappeller this year. He showed his bravery, rappelling with his Big Brother Tom Olguin
Big Brother Toby Tucker won Best Costume of the day as Teen Wolf
Chef Gabriel Rucker, the two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, and owner of Portland’s Le Pigeon and Canard
Organizers say, “The youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters, most of whom come from single-parent households, face adversity and exude resilience every day. They show an immense amount of courage by staying positive in light of daily challenges, especially during the pandemic. We asked our rappelers to find their inner strength and courage to go over the edge for these kids.”
This fundraising event was sponsored locally by PK, General Sheet Metal, Merrell, Flowbird America, Comcast Oregon & SW Washington, Cambia Health Solutions, and Tito’s Vodka.
About Over the Edge: Over the Edge is a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations around the world. Business leaders, individuals and community members are invited to raise donations in exchange for the experience of going over the edge of a prominent building. This unique event generates front-page news, raises thousands of dollars, and provides participants with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters: BBBS is a local, private non-profit organization affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Founded in 2002, it serves as one of the Portland-Vancouver region’s largest youth mentoring organizations and achieved a 96% high school graduation rate this past year for its mentees, far above the region’s overall graduation rate of 82%. More than 8,500 local children have been matched with a volunteer Big Brother or Sister, creating life-changing bonds.
Portland, OR. Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) hosted its second virtual scavenger called the ‘Big Search Party.’ It was a three-day fundraising campaign, and a virtual scavenger hunt to raise funds to support its mission and goals as an organization. About 100 supporters joined in the fun of the virtual scavenger hunt, which was completed through the Goosechase scavenger hunt app. Teams remained safe and socially distanced as they competed for points and bragging rights. Missions included a photo or video displays of talent, creativity, and tenacity, documenting challenges as varied as dressing up a fire hydrant, camouflaging themselves against any background, and recreating a photo booth, virtually.
Team Dinosaur completes the mission of dressing up a fire hydrant with the help of their dog, Elvis.
Supporters surpassed a $100,000 fundraising goal, raising more than $120,000. These funds will go toward enacting the mission of the nonprofit, which provides support for low-income youth including education, vocational training, and leadership development.
Participants gave the activity great reviews saying, “It’s been awesome and helped us get out of the house with two little ones” and “This is a truly enjoyable way to give back to an amazing organization!”
The virtual campaign and scavenger hunt took place over three days – September 16th, 17th and 18th – and was presented by O’Neill Walsh Community Builders. It included video testimonials.
Current PYB technology student Ronderrick told his story about the support he has received at PYV and about how he’s on track to graduate high school despite many tremendous challenges he’s faced.
Team Dinosaur completes the mission of camouflaging themselves against any background, with a clever flannel theme.
From PYB:
We enroll young people aged 17-26, though the great majority of our students are in their teens. Nearly 60% of our students are people of color, with our BIPOC community comprised of Latinx, African American, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander students. On average, approximately 70% identify as male and 30% as female, with a small percentage who identify as non-binary.
Nearly all of our students come to us with histories of significant trauma, including poverty, dropping out of school, homelessness, substance abuse, violence in the home, involvement with the justice system, and more. Some of our students have learning disabilities, have been in foster care, or are custodial parents.
Additionally, all of our students are deeply motivated to make a positive change in their lives. Once they take the bold and brave step to join our program, our students are notorious for doing all they can to make it work.
Gresham, OR. Medical professionals at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center are thanking donors and sponsors for $122,000 raised in support the expansion of cardiac services. The 27th annual Drive Benefit Golf Tournament presented by Pacific Office Automation was held at Stone Creek Golf Club on September 10th. Players from 41 sponsor companies participated in a format designed to follow safe COVID-19 guidelines for physical distancing.
Volunteers Gretchen Lawrence, Kaitlyn Morell, Alyson Evans help out at the event.
Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center is finishing a three-year campaign to expand cardiac services, including two new cardiac catheterization suites for emergency care. Funds from the tournament support a $600,000 campaign for patient-centered cardiac programs such as community education, nutrition counseling and cardiac rehabilitation equipment.
From Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center:
Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, East Multnomah County’s full-service community hospital, is part of Legacy Health – a nonprofit health system driven by a mission to improve the lives of those around us.
To learn more about supporting Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center, please contact Foundation Executive Director Heather Martin at 503-413-7384, [email protected], or visit legacyhealth.org/giving.
Aloha, OR. The 17th annual Celebrity Golf Invitational tournament, the Maurice Lucas Foundation raised $189,000 which is almost double last year’s total. The funds support academic and athletic programs for middle school through college students in the Portland area. At the event, former Trail Blazer Channing Frye (seen above on the left) headed out in a golf cart with Jesse Conner. The field of 270 golfers was so large, the double shotgun tournament was spread over two courses at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club on July 29th in Aloha.
Maurice Lucas Foundation Academy members left to right, Marquis Scott, Jaylen Lostheart, and Aiden Cage volunteer at the tournament. All three are high school seniors.
Maurice Lucas Foundation executive director David Lucas addresses the field of competitors at his organization’s golf tournament.
Dark Horse Comics founder Mike Richardson (center) stands with his team, which included Jason Daily, Joe Wiser, Nathan Zoucha and Mike Erickson.
Deejay Jupiter (aka Travis Jones) supplies the music at the golf tournament.
Eric Tolento provides a free haircut to actor William Bryant at the event.
Lil Orbits Donuts worker (left) serves up a bag of fresh doughnuts at the Maurice Lucas Foundation golf tournament.
Mike Phillips performs the national anthem on the saxophone at the tournament.
The winning team from Pacific Energy Concepts shot a 52 on the south course. The winners were Wes Mallard, Jonathan and Korean Romano, Will Snow and Jack Dukeminier. The team received a first-class trip to Bend, including transportation on a private jet, lodging in a luxury house and free play at the Tetherow Resort golf course.
The 54 participating celebrities included Trail Blazer broadcaster Bill Schonely; former Trail Blazer players Bobby Gross, Channing Frye and Brian Grant; Oregon State basketball coach Wayne Tinkle and his son, Tres; actress Debbe Dunning; actor William Bryant; comedian Joe Torry; and KOIN-TV newscaster Ken Boddie.
The tourney organizers included many fun elements to the day to make it memorable for the participants. Mike Phillips performed the national anthem on the saxophone. Deejay Jupiter (aka Travis Jones) supplied the music. Eric Tolento provided free haircuts and Thrive Chiropractic gave free massages. Lil Orbits Donuts provided fresh doughnuts, Dutch Bros. provided coffee and Jersey Mike’s provided lunch.
“This tournament is an important fundraising event for us,” said Executive Director David Lucas. “It continues a tradition started by my dad, the late Maurice Lucas, who loved this community. Thank you so much to all our sponsors, golfers and volunteers who made this year’s tournament possible.”
About the Maurice Lucas Foundation
The foundation is named in honor of the late Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Trail Blazers team. Besides his outstanding achievements on the court, Lucas also selflessly gave his time and energy to Portland youth. Since its formation in 2010, the MLF has served more than 2,258 students and families through its Academy program and another 4,320 through basketball camps and teams.
Vancouver, WA. Organizers say the Give More 24! campaign surpassed their goal and raised $3.3 million. “By giving as one, on one day, we made a monumental difference…Together, we pushed the limits of generosity. It may have taken us to the limit (surpassing our goal at 11:56 p.m.), but WE DID IT!” 6,603 people donated to 207 nonprofits during the 24-hour fundraiser. Friends of the Children-Portland (seen above) is one of many nonprofits which benefit.
Give More 24! is a philanthropic hub, linking community dollars to community needs. By giving at the same time, and boosting donations through match dollars and nonprofit prizes, supporters made a big impact. The fund drive took place on September 23rd.
Literacy is one of the many cause areas featured during Give More 24!
Over the years, the Community Foundation has supported high school and college students in SW Washington.
Give 24! has a few awards for students in specific areas like firefighting.
Food is a daily need, so it’s not surprising that local food banks and pantries are on the forefront of COVID-19 relief efforts. A grant from the COVID Response Fund is helping One Life Food Pantry provide residents with pre-made food boxes every Saturday morning.
Donors can also give to arts organizations.
From Give 24!:
We receive and manage funds to build a permanent endowment that addresses the unmet needs of our community. We grant funds to support worthy projects in the areas of social and human services, arts and culture, education, and quality of life.
We provide flexible ways of giving for donors with varied philanthropic desires, which allows them to effect positive changes in their particular areas of interest.
We act as a leader in the local philanthropic community, identifying and exploring important issues and concerns, and shaping effective responses. Discover why we are one of our nation’s fastest-growing sectors of philanthropy and how we can transform your personal giving today.
Portland, OR. Live theater returns to The Armory in October when Frida … A Self Portrait kicks off Portland Center Stage’s 2021-2022 season. Written and performed by Vanessa Severo, and directed by Joanie Schultz, Frida … A Self Portrait begins preview performances October 9, opens October 15, and runs through November 7 on the U.S. Bank Main Stage. Tickets are on sale now, with special pricing available on September 28, during PCS’s season-wide One Day Sale.
“I’m thrilled to launch the season of live performance on stage with this fierce, beautiful play,” Artistic Director Marissa Wolf said. “Vanessa Severo is magnetic in this role; from the moment she locks eyes with the audience, you understand that you’re on a gripping journey of the soul.”
Set on the eve of Frida Kahlo’s death, this intimate solo show plunges into the brilliant, nuanced world of Kahlo’s tumultuous, extraordinary life — but goes far beyond biography.
Instead, Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo cracks open a powerful portal between herself and the celebrated Mexican artist, bringing breathtaking physicality and raw honesty to this stunningly creative production.
Ultimately, the play paints a portrait of two artists, blending Kahlo’s life with Severo’s own experiences as a child born with a congenital disorder to parents who were newly immigrated to the United States.
“We are drawn to self-portraits, memoirs, and other forms of autobiography; it makes us feel seen, and not so alone,” Director Joanie Schultz said. “This becomes even more important when we are those who disappear: women, people of color, people with disabilities, queer people, and trans people across the world look at Frida’s self-portraits and see themselves because they recognize the pain she articulates so well in her work.”
Frida … A Self Portrait had its world premiere at the Living Room Theatre in 2014 and continued to evolve as Severo deepened her research on Kahlo, including journeying to Mexico City to visit La Casa Azul. In 2019, KCRep developed and produced the show at its OriginKC: New Works Festival. The script was featured on The Kilroys’ List in 2020 and has been further developed for its PCS debut. The KCRep creative team comes together once again for the Portland production.
Vanessa Severo’s acting credits include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Sex with Strangers, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, August Osage County, Cabaret, Lot’s Wife (KCRep); Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night (Heart of America Shakespeare Festival); The Revolutionists, Men on Boats, Mother F***er with the Hat, Venus in Fur, and The Clean House (The Unicorn Theatre). More information is available at vanessasevero.com.
Director Joanie Schultz (A Doll’s House at WaterTower Theatre; Venus in Fur at Goodman Theatre) is joined by Scenic Designer Jacqueline Penrod (Around the World in Eighty Days at Lookingglass Theatre), Costume Designer Katherine Davis (Dracula; a Song of Love and Death with Kansas City Actor’s Theatre), Lighting Designer Rachael Cady (Of Mice and Men at KCRep), Sound Designer Thomas Dixon, who also composed the original music (A Doll’s House at Steppenwolf Theatre Company), and Stage Manager Janine Vanderhoff (most recently Hedwig and the Angry Inch at PCS).
From Portland Center Stage:
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FRIDA … A SELF PORTRAIT
Gallery Exhibit: Hard Feelings by Angela Saenz Oct 7 – Nov 15 • FREE Portland Center Stage will host Hard Feelings, an art installation by Portland-based painter and muralist Angela Saenz that draws upon the artist’s response to grief, intimacy, and community in the times of Coronavirus.
October First Thursday with Pablo Rivarola Thu, Oct 7, 5 p.m. • FREE October’s First Thursday will feature the opening for the Hard Feelings art installation, with music by the Pablo Rivarola Trio. Rivarola will be joined by drummer Nick Morrison and keyboard player Anderson Donley. Complimentary beer provided by Deschutes Brewery.
Pre-Show Discussion: Emily Rapp Black in Conversation with Vanessa Severo Wed, Oct 20, 6 p.m. • FREE Emily Rapp Black, The New York Times bestselling author of Frida Kahlo and My Left Leg, will join Vanessa Severo to discuss how the life, art, and disabilities of Frida Kahlo have impacted their work.
Pre-Show Author Talk & Book Signing with Emily Prado Sun, Oct 24, 1 p.m. • FREE Emilly Prado, Chicana writer and Portland-based founder of Nocha Libre DJ collective, will read an excerpt from her book Funeral For Flaca that retraces her experience coming of age as a prep-turned-chola-turned-punk in this collection of essays.
Post-Show Interview with Vanessa Severo Sun, Oct 24, 3:30 p.m. • FREE Emilly Prado, Chicana writer and Portland-based founder of Nocha Libre DJ collective, will explore the themes of the play in a post-show interview with Vanessa Severo.
Pre-Show Music: DJ Mami Miami Wed, Oct 27, 6:30 p.m. • FREE DJ Mami Miami, aka Chicana writer Emilly Prado, will spin a mix of music that spans genres and geography, from cumbia and quebradita to dancehall and perreo.
TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
When: Oct. 9 – Nov. 7, 2021*
*Opening Night/Press Night: Friday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Preview Performances: Oct. 9, 10, 13, and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Pay What You Will Performance: Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: On the U.S. Bank Main Stage at The Armory, 128 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR.
To Purchase: Regular tickets range from $25 to $87. Tickets may be purchased at pcs.org/frida-a-self-portrait, 503.445.3700, or in-person from the box office. Ticket specials are listed at pcs.org/deals, including the One Day Sale, Rush Tickets, Arts for All, Military, Student, Under 30, The Armory Card, Groups of 10+, and more. Prices vary by date and time and are subject to change.
Please Note: This production is recommended for ages 13 and up. It contains adult situations and language, and depictions of drug use. Learn more by calling 503-445-3700.
Accessibility: Learn about our accessibility options at pcs.org/access.
Portland Center Stage was established in 1988 as a branch of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and became independent in 1994. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Marissa Wolf and Managing Director Cynthia Fuhrman, the company produces a mix of classic, contemporary, and world premiere productions, along with a variety of high-quality education and community programs. As part of its dedication to new play development, the company has produced 28 world premieres, many of which were developed at its JAW New Play Festival. Portland Center Stage’s home is at The Armory, a historic building originally constructed in 1891. After a major renovation, The Armory opened in 2006 as the first building on the National Register of Historic Places, the first performing arts venue in the country, and the first building in Portland to achieve a LEED Platinum rating.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying and interrupting instances of racism and all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA). Learn more at pcs.org/idea.
Portland Center Stage’s 2021-2022 season is funded in part by Season Superstars the Regional Arts and Culture Council and the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation; Season Supporting Sponsors the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the state of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts, and US Bank; and Season Producing Sponsors Ellyn Bye, Ray and Bobbi Davis, Ronni LaCroute, and Jess Dishman.
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.
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