Portland, November 19th. Being the doc on call when an elephant goes into labor is not a job for the faint-hearted. Mitch Finnegan, the zoo’s senior veterinarian, knows: He was present 18 years ago at the birth of Rose-Tu, and four years ago at the birth of Samudra, her first calf at the Oregon Zoo.
“That last birth easily took a year off my life,” Dr. Finnegan said. “I hope this one goes easier.”
Samudra, born Aug. 23, 2008, had a rough start to life. Topping 280 pounds at birth, he was a large baby, which contributed to a long and difficult labor for Rose-Tu. Rose-Tu, who had never experienced a birth before, became confused and agitated after delivering her baby, which can happen with first-time mothers. Keepers quickly intervened to prevent any harm to the baby. They then worked around the clock during the calf’s first week of life to help ensure the critical mother-calf bond became a strong one.
“Rose had never experienced a birth before, so we think she may have been confused by what was happening,” Finnegan said. “She was the last elephant born at the zoo until her own calf arrived. This time, we think things will go much better.”
Still, with Rose-Tu just weeks — perhaps days — away from giving birth again, Dr. Finnegan and the rest of the zoo’s elephant-care team are doing their best to make sure they’re ready for anything.
“We’re expecting the best and preparing for the worst,” Finnegan said. “We’ll have several carts of equipment and hopefully we’ll use none of it.”
Last week, emergency medical supplies were assembled at the elephant barn in preparation for the birth. Medications are on hand in case labor needs to be induced. Oxygen is available in case the newborn calf shows any signs of difficulty breathing.
There can be complications to both mother and calf, according to Finnegan. One major risk to both is dystocia, or a difficult labor. Elephants are prone to a form of dystocia in which their labor stalls, requiring veterinarians to administer medications to stimulate the uterus in order for labor to continue.
But such a move brings another risk.
“Normally, elephants are delivered rear feet first,” Finnegan said. “In very large animals like elephants, it’s sometimes difficult to know whether the calf is positioned normally. Palpation and ultrasound are our best tools, but they provide relatively limited information in elephants compared to smaller animals like horses or dogs. The risk is that if drugs are used to stimulate labor and the baby is malpositioned, intense contractions could tear the uterus. Since we often don’t have all the information we would like, it can be a harrowing experience if labor does not progress normally and medical intervention is necessary.”
Ultrasound, Finnegan says, offers too small a field of view, so he relies on an age-old, hands-on veterinary approach. If labor stops progressing, he will examine Rose-Tu, feeling inside her for the calf’s feet and toes, so he can determine how best to help labor proceed.
But if labor proceeds normally, Finnegan will keep out of Rose-Tu’s sight.
“Ideally we’ll leave her alone and only have people in the barn that she’s really comfortable with,” he said. “As much as possible, we want it to be just another day for her. Animals are very good at sensing our emotions and stress, so we want everyone to be upbeat and mellow.”
For months, the zoo’s elephant-care staff has been working with Rose-Tu to ensure she is calm, comfortable and confident on the big day. All that training and preparation — along with Rose-Tu’s own experience as a mother, the presence of other elephants and the staff who has cared for her for years — give Rose-Tu the best possible chances for the outcome everyone is hoping for: a healthy, strong calf.
The Oregon Zoo is recognized worldwide for its successful breeding program for Asian elephants, which has now spanned 50 years. Rose-Tu’s mother, Me-Tu, was the second elephant born at the zoo (just months after Packy in 1962), and her grandmother, Rosy, was the first elephant ever to live in Oregon.
Asian elephants are considered highly endangered in their range countries, threatened by habitat loss and conflict with humans. According to estimates, fewer than 40,000 may remain in fragmented populations from India to Borneo.
The Oregon Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, whose species survival plan for Asian elephants is striving to establish a self-sustaining population in North America.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on Asian elephants, polar bears, orangutans and giant pandas. The zoo relies in part on community support through donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
General zoo admission is $10.50 (ages 12-64), $9 for seniors (65 and up), $7.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $4 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
Beaverton, November 14th. The staff, Board of Directors, and clients of local non-profit, Edwards Center, Inc. came to Beaverton Toyota to receive a very special donation: a custom, wheelchair-accessible 2013 Toyota Sienna Mobility. The Aloha-based Edwards Center has been working to support adults with developmental disabilities, such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other conditions, since 1972. However, despite having a sizable vehicle fleet to meet the needs of nearly 300 Oregonians with disabilities and 40 years of service, this is their first new car. (Photo credit, Betty Coulson)
Lisa K., Edwards Center client; Heather Self, Edwards Center Residential Manager.
Clients, client family, staff, and Board of Directors of Edwards Center.
All of this was possible through the generosity of Toyota, Beaverton Toyota, and Toyota Financial Services through the 100 Cars for Good Campaign. Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program solicited 5,000 applications from non-profits around the US, of which 500 were selected. Each day for 100 days, 5 deserving non-profits competed to win the most votes through a Facebook app, with Toyota donating a brand new vehicle to the winning organization. Through the hard work and determination of their staff, Board, client family, vendors, business partners, and the Portland-area community, Edwards Center was able to win their voting day.
Monique Jackson, Toyota; Jessica Leitner, Edwards Center; Jean Edwards, Edwards Center; Russ Humberston, Jr., Beaverton Toyota; Ann Humberston, Beaverton Toyota.
Jeff Greer, Edwards Center Personnel Manager; Kevin K., Edwards Center client; Heather Self, Edwards Center Residential Manager.
In addition to this new vehicle, Toyota Financial Services surprised everyone in attendance by providing an additional 10,000 mile, 6 year maintenance contract. The vehicle was locally retrofitted for wheelchair access by longtime Performance Mobility, of whom Edwards Center has been a customer for many years. Besides the organization’s staff and Board of Directors, the residents of Edwards Center’s Oak Street residence were especially excited to receive the new van. The 5 ladies of Oak Street were featured prominently in the video that accompanied Edwards Center’s voting page on the 100 Cars for Good Facebook app and their story was a major part in the success of Edwards Center’s voting campaign.
It is our mission to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by helping them reach their highest potential through training, education, employment, housing and social opportunities in safe, healthy and stimulating environments.
We believe that every individual has their own unique potential and that they deserve the opportunity to reach it. So we provide the motivation, encouragement and support to help them do just that.
We work tirelessly to erase the lines of perception that separate the “abled” from the disabled, which is what makes us such a driving force in preserving the dignity and independence of the developmentally disabled – not just in Oregon, but in the nation.
Portland, November 16th. The Oregon Zoo’s two year remodel on the Penguinarium is over and the playful Penguins are happy to be home!
For much of the past two years, the penguins shared a divided portion of the zoo’s polar bear habitat while improvements were made to their own quarters. This week the sleek seabirds returned home, waddling over the familiar rocky terrain and darting through the clear water of the zoo’s Penguinarium. The popular exhibit will reopen to the public on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Senior bird keeper Gwen Harris tends to a Humboldt penguin at the Oregon Zoo. The birds have returned to their home in the zoo’s Penguinarium, which reopens this weekend. Photo by Kevin Brown, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
The birds had been moved to their temporary habitat in late 2010, allowing work to begin on a much-needed upgrade of the Penguinarium’s water-filtration system, one of many sustainability improvements funded by the community-supported 2008 zoo bond measure. The upgrade saves 7 million gallons of water each year.
Built in 1959 and remodeled in 1982, the Penguinarium had an outdated water-filtration system that dumped millions of gallons of water into the city’s sewer system each year. A constant flow of fresh water was required to keep the pool clean and free of scum that builds up from the oils in penguin feathers. And each week, the 25,000-gallon pool was completely drained for cleaning.
“The filtration upgrade was completed in December 2011 and worked perfectly,” said curator Michael Illig, who oversees all the zoo’s birds. “It was cleaning and circulating beautiful clear water.”
When staff turned on the exhibit’s 20-year-old heating and air conditioning system in anticipation of the penguins’ return, however, they found it wasn’t functioning properly.
“Since the penguins were already comfortable in their temporary digs, it was a good opportunity to repair the system with no impact to the birds or zoo visitors,” Illig said. “We wanted to make sure their home was 100 percent ready when they moved back.”
Also moving back home this month were 15 Inca terns, South American seabirds that share an exhibit space with penguins at the zoo. (The two species coexist in the wild as well.) The terns had been waiting out the renovations in an enclosure that had housed orangutans prior to the 2010 opening of Red Ape Reserve.
“It’s great to have the birds back together in their own space,” said Gwen Harris, the zoo’s senior keeper of birds. “Their welfare has always been our primary concern. Now the water’s clean and clear, and we’ve made a far more environmentally friendly habitat.”
Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), which live along the South American coastline off of Peru and Chile, were granted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 2010. Of the world’s 17 penguin species, Humboldts are the most at risk, threatened by overfishing of their prey species, entanglement in fishing nets, and breeding disruption due to commercial removal of the guano deposits where the penguins lay their eggs. Their population is estimated at 12,000 breeding pairs.
The Oregon Zoo participates in a Species Survival Plan to cooperatively manage Humboldt populations.
The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission of inspiring the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on Asian elephants, polar bears, orangutans and giant pandas. The zoo relies in part on community support through donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs.
The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light rail line. Visitors who travel to the zoo via MAX receive $1.50 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.
Through Jan. 31, general zoo admission is $10.50 (ages 12-64), $9 for seniors (65 and up), $7.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for those 2 and younger; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo’s Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $4 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
West Linn, October 27th. WildCat Haven celebrated its 11th Anniversary with a benefit gala at the Oregon Golf Club. (Photo credit, Karine Aigner) The nonprofit is the only local sanctuary for big cats where supporters are happy to report, “Over 60 wildcats are no longer suffering from pain and neglect – they are living a safe, healthy, comfortable life.” It was a packed house at the auction with Scott Tom from 106.7 presiding as emcee.
Mike & Cheryl Tuller, Founders of WildCat Haven, spoke of their passion for the big cats. They shared information about WCH’s mission and presented a video showing the new property recently purchased to move the sanctuary to, which is over 80 acres.
Tim Harrison explains the program
Ken Hick
Howard Hedinger Table’s was an upbeat spot
Howard Hedinger was transformed into a philenthropic rockstar
There was a great turnout at the benefit.
cougar resident
Adele Tom and Elizabeth Entenman
Guest have fun with the Conga line
Cheri Cooley Hick and Scott Tom
Cheri Cooley Hick and Scott Tom
Sophia Kryszek, John Prengaman, Karine Aigner, Tim Harrison, Cheryl Tuller, Mike Tuller and Tim Adams in front.
Wild Cat Red Wine
Folks were glued to their seats when Special Guest Speaker, Tim Harrison, star of the Genesis award winning documentary, “The Elephant in the Living Room” introduced the WCH video showing the wildcat rescues and then gave an impassioned speech about WCH’s most recent rescue of Nora & Katie, two bengal tigers from Ohio this past May. Tim & his team from Outreach for Animals were on site to help Mike & Cheryl prepare and load the tigers for the 2500 miles journey back to Oregon. Tim shared that International Fund for Animals (IFAW) helped with costs for the transport and are continuing to work with WCH for future rescue missions. Scott Tom & Cheri Hick presented a Special Appeal to raise funds for the new property and started the fun with a Conga Line! Simply ‘A Purrfect Evening!”
From WildCat Haven:
WildCat Haven is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill, ‘last hope’ sanctuary located in beautiful Sherwood, Oregon. Our mission is to provide a safe, natural lifetime home for captive-born wildcats in need. As the only sanctuary accredited by The American Sanctuary Association(ASA) in the Pacific Northwest, WildCat Haven is not open to the public; nor do we buy, sell, breed or exhibit our animals. It’s a philosophy we believe in and stand by for the safety and well being of the wildcats.
We are not a zoo for people but a safe haven for the animals in our care. Our rescues depend on us to provide for them. They trust we will keep them safe, comfortable, healthy and free from the pain and suffering they have experienced. And we are committed to fulfilling that trust every day. WildCat Haven receives no state or federal funding. Instead, we rely 100% on private donations.
WildCat Haven Sanctuary is proud and honored to announce the FREE screening of the film The Paw Project – A Documentary which will be held at The Mission Theater in Portland Oregon on November 18th, 2012 from 1 pm to 3 pm. The Paw Project documentary is an inspiring David and Goliath story of veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Conrad’s grassroots movement to protect felines, both large and small, from the cruelty of declawing and how the movement has prevailed despite the efforts of well-funded professional veterinary associations to thwart the movement.
In the United States today, approximately 25% of domesticated cats are declawed. Declawing is the amputation of the last bone in a cat’s toes. Despite the physical and behavioral harm inflicted on cats who are declawed, many veterinarians continue to recommend the procedure — which costs upwards of $1,200 per hour – even for very young kittens.
These are animals we love, and with whom we share our homes. Why aren’t we being told the truth of what the declawing procedure involves? What goes on when the vet takes our beloved companions in the back of the veterinary clinic? The Paw Project documentary chronicles the happy and unexpected twist of fate that led to the protection of many animals through the grassroots advocacy led by Dr. Conrad and The Paw Project. Please watch the trailer for The Paw Project Documentary and join us November 18th. Let’s show Dr. Conrad that she has Portland’s support on this issue! This film has been submitted to The Sundance Film Festival, so now is your chance to see it before it goes mainstream! http://www.wildcathaven.org/
A bilingual Teatro Milagro touring production written by Dañel Malán will take to the stage in January. Malán, Ajai Terrazas-Tripathi, Tricia Castañeda-Gonzáles and Daniel Moreno in the revival of Milagro’s national touring production FRIDA, un retablo, onstage Jan. 10-19, 2013 at the Milagro Theatre. It’s Directed/choreographed by Gabriela Portuguez. The remount — the play’s third time on national tour — is inspired by constant requests from Milagro followers, coupled with rave reviews from the 2007 production.
ABOUT THE PLAY: In Tehuantepec dress with eyebrows taking flight like the wings of a raven, Frida Kahlo is legendary for her numerous affairs, self-portraits and an independence that inspired generations of feminists around the world. From the streetcar accident that left her crippled, to her torrid relationship with muralist Diego Rivera, life and art intertwine in this story of one of Mexico’s most acclaimed visual artists. She was called a surrealist, but Frida said she never painted dreams, only her own reality.
SPECIAL EVENT: In conjunction with the play, Milagro is also pleased to present an art installation created by Susan Espino that explores the life and work of Frida Kahlo. Situated in the Zócalo room adjacent to Milagro’s lobby, the walk-through exhibit will depict vignettes from Kahlos’ home, the “Blue House” in Coyoacán, Mexico. Visitors will have the opportunity to read Frida’s letters and poetry, try on clothing and make-up, and even try their own hand at drawing a self-portrait. The exhibit will also include handmade dolls by Lulu Moon and photography by Sylvia Malán-González and Russell J. Young. The exhibit is free and open to the public one hour prior to each performance, as well as all day between 2 p.m. matinee and 8 p.m. closing performance Saturday, Jan. 19.
Below are dates and more information about this cultural event.
Thursday, Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m., Preview
Friday, Jan. 11, 8 p.m., Opening Night with complimentary reception catered by La Bamba Restaurant
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Matinees: Sunday, Jan. 13 and Saturday Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Milagro Theatre, 525 SE Stark Street, Portland, Oregon 97214
ADMISSION: $12 – $24; discounts for students, seniors, groups of 15+ and advance purchases
Tickets can be purchased from www.milagro.org or 503-236-7253
This production is sponsored by Garcia Seabold Investments, LLC
Miracle Theatre Group’s 2012-2013 season is supported in part by Equity Foundation, Regional Arts & Culture Council and Work for Art, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Oregon Arts Commission, Collins Foundation, Ronni Lacroute, Oregon Community Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Kinsman Foundation, Shubert Foundation, Juan Young Trust, PGE Foundation, US Bancorp Foundation, KeyBank Foundation, Multnomah County Cultural Coalition, Rose Tucker Charitable Trust, Carpenter Foundation, Jackson Foundation, Hoover Family Foundation, Templeton Foundation, Portland Timbers, El Centinela, and El Hispanic News/PQ Monthly.
ABOUT MIRACLE THEATRE GROUP
For more than 28 years, the Miracle Theatre Group has been dedicated to bringing the vibrancy of Latino theatre to the Northwest community. In addition to its national tours, Miracle provides a home for Spanish and Latin American arts and culture at El Centro Milagro, where it enriches the local community with a variety of community outreach projects and educational programs designed to share the diversity of Latino culture. For more information about the Miracle Theatre Group, visit www.milagro.org or call 503-236-7253.
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