Wilsonville, OR. “When I go to our butterfly lab, I feel a sense of peace in a world of chaos,” said inmate Sarah Martin, one of the Coffee Creek butterfly technicians. “I have a rare opportunity to sustain the life of an endangered species, which gives me a unique reward of being able to give peace back into the world.” For much of the past year, the female inmates at Coffee Creek have raised and cared for Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly larvae, as part of a collaboration with the Oregon Zoo and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Butterfly keeper Julia Low (foreground) held a jar of tiny butterfly larva during a tour of Coffee Creek facility where inmates work in the Butterfly Lab. (Photo credit, Michael Durham.)
Last week, they transferred 562 of the growing caterpillars back to conservation biologists at USFWS for release on western Oregon prairies near Corvallis. It is the first attempt to re-establish Taylor’s checkerspots in Oregon, where only two known populations of this rare Northwest butterfly remain.
“This is groundbreaking,” said Oregon Zoo butterfly conservationist Ronda Naseth, who advises the program at Coffee Creek. “It adds captive rearing and release in Oregon to recovery efforts for the endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly. And it brings butterfly conservation work into a medium-security housing unit for the first time.”
Checkerspot butterfly
Coffee Creek’s butterfly conservation lab launched last May, with funding from USFWS and the help of an Oregon Zoo Foundation grant. Zoo staff taught inmates how to care for butterfly eggs and raise larvae, supporting their efforts along the way.
Rearing the rare butterflies comes with many challenges. One of the most difficult tasks is feeding the ever-munching larvae, which require vast quantities of specific plants. The Institute for Applied Ecology assists the lab in supplying, propagating and harvesting plantago plants for this purpose. The level of care is crucial: The species is listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and, according to Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, is in imminent danger of extinction.
“We set a first-year goal for the facility of 500 larvae, so we were very excited to have met and exceeded that goal,” Naseth said.
The Coffee Creek–reared caterpillars will complete their development in the wild, first turning into chrysalides and then — over a span of warm, sunny days this spring — emerging as adult butterflies and unfurling for the first time their distinctive, colorful wings.
Though once abundant across the inland prairies of the Pacific Northwest, the Taylor’s checkerspot has now lost 99 percent of its grassland habitat to successional plant growth, agriculture and urban development. And while the butterflies themselves are small, the restoration of their high-quality native prairie habitat also benefits a multitude of other species associated with this ecosystem.
The Oregon Zoo has raised nearly 25,000 checkerspots for release since joining the recovery effort in 2004 — including 425 larvae transferred to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife last month for release in the south Puget Sound area, where some of the region’s best prairie habitat remains. Another 350 larvae stayed behind to complete their transformation into adult butterflies at the zoo — a “rear guard” of sorts that will breed, lay eggs and produce caterpillars for release next year. Once the work of these 350 is complete, they too will be transferred to WDFW as adult butterflies and released to field sites around the middle of May.
The Oregon Zoo is a charter member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Butterfly Conservation Initiative, a collaborative effort among nearly 50 zoos and aquariums. The zoo works in partnership with and receives funding from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to rear checkerspots for release into the wild. Additional project partners include Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Xerces Society, the Institute for Applied Ecology, the Sustainability in Prisons Project, The Evergreen State College, Washington Department of Corrections, and the Oregon Department of Corrections.
To learn more about the Oregon Zoo’s effort to save Taylor’s checkerspots and other imperiled Northwest species, visit oregonzoo.org/recovery.
As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. 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 focused on saving animals from extinction include studies on polar bears, orangutans and cheetahs.
Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world.
The zoo opens at 9:30 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 trimet.org for fare and route information.
Portland, OR. It’s an ‘eggs-citing’ time at the Oregon Zoo’s annual Rabbit Romp, a celebration of spring geared toward the 10-and-under set. This year’s event took place March 31st. Rabbit Romp, featured candy “egg” hunts, pettable animals at the Family Farm, bunny crafts, games, photo opportunities, and a chance to meet some of the Wildlife Live program’s animals at Elephant Plaza. (Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.)
The bunnies on the zoo’s family farm were a big hit.
Seven week-old rabbits at the Oregon Zoo’s Family Farm. © Oregon Zoo / photo by Kathy Street.
The Oregon College Savings Plan will be at Rabbit Romp with a prize wheel full of giveaways for kids. Parents can also learn more about saving for college with useful information from the experts.
As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. 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 focused on saving animals from extinction include studies on polar bears, orangutans and cheetahs.
Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world.
The zoo opens at 9:30 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 trimet.org for fare and route information.
PORTLAND – With spring just around the corner, Northwest campers should be prepared for encounters with black bears, cougars and bobcats — not to mention sea otters, elephants and giraffes. The Oregon Zoo’s popular Nature Rangers spring break camps return March 26-30, and summer camps start June 13th. It’s a time when zoo campers use a spotting scope to observe wildlife in Washington Park. (Photo credit, by Leah Nash, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.)
Oregon Zoo camp kids explore animal-related careers and learn about veterinary care with the help of a Banfield veterinarian. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Banfield Pet Hospital renewed its year-round commitment to the zoo as a signature partner and is once again the presenting sponsor for zoo camps, including the popular Wildlife Careers and Creature Care camps, both of which feature visits from Banfield veterinary team members.
“Banfield’s partnership with the zoo is helping to provide exciting and inspiring educational opportunities for kids from around the region,” said Grant Spickelmier, zoo education curator. “Together, we are committed to developing the next generation of leaders in animal care and wildlife conservation.”
The zoo’s new education center, which opened last March, serves as a focal point for the camps. The award-winning space features a nature-play area, species-conservation lab, insect zoo and brand-new classrooms nestled into a wooded hillside.
“The center represents our region’s commitment to conservation education, and we are especially excited by the new opportunities it provides campers,” Spickelmier said.
Camp activities — specifically planned for the interests of each age group — include games, tours, stories, songs, animal visitors and take-home art projects inspired by the day’s theme. Campers will also get to try out scientific technologies like thermal imaging, temperature and light sensors, and video microscopes. At the Wildlife Careers and Creature Care camps, Banfield veterinarians help kids explore animal-related careers and teach them about veterinary care and responsible pet ownership.
A young visitor has a close encounter with lions at the Oregon Zoo. Photo by Kirsten Quatela, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
Young visitors watch one of the Oregon Zoo’s Humboldt penguins. The birds returned to the Penguinarium this week following a much-needed filtration upgrade that will save 7 million gallons of water annually. Photo by Michael Durham, courtesy of the Oregon Zoo.
For more information and to register for camp, visit oregonzoo.org/camps.
The zoo’s professional camp staff has been helping children explore the wonders of wildlife through fun, hands-on learning since 1983. Staff members are selected for excellence in programming for children and typically have also worked for public schools, OMSI, Outdoor School or Audubon. Most are college graduates or are working on a degree, and many return year after year.
As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. 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 focused on saving animals from extinction include studies on polar bears, orangutans and cheetahs.
From Oregon Zoo:
Support from the Oregon Zoo Foundation enhances and expands the zoo’s efforts in conservation, education and animal welfare. Members, donors and corporate and foundation partners help the zoo make a difference across the region and around the world.
The zoo opens at 9:30 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 trimet.org for fare and route information.
From Banfield Pet Hospital:
Founded in Portland, Ore., in 1955, Banfield is the largest general-veterinary practice in the world. In 2007, Banfield joined the Mars, Inc., family of businesses, and today has more than 1,000 hospitals across the United States. More than 3,500 Banfield veterinarians are committed to providing high-quality veterinary care for 3 million pets annually. Banfield’s charitable arm, the Banfield Foundation, was established in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the well-being of pets and communities. In 2017, Banfield Pet Hospital — including the work of the Banfield Foundation — was named among Points of Light’s Civic 50 as one of the most community-minded companies in the U.S. Press seeking additional information are invited to call the Media Hotline: (888) 355-0595.
Portland, OR. It wouldn’t be the holidays in Portland for thousands of people without a visit to the Oregon Zoo’s annual winter festival, ZooLights. As visitors walk around the zoo, they see a display of more than million and half lights, and experience the zoo in a whole new light. ZooLights runs through January 1, 2017.
ZooLights hours are 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The grounds remain open for one hour after gates close. For more details click: http://www.oregonzoo.org/zoolights
Here’s a look at a few of the displays:
Here are answers to some FAQs from the Oregon Zoo:
ZooLights tickets are valid after 4 p.m. To enter the zoo earlier, a regular admission ticket must be purchased. The zoo does not close between regular hours and ZooLights — daytime visitors are welcome to stay on grounds. However, there is no re-entry to the zoo after 4 p.m.
Oregon Zoo members get free admission to ZooLights. Members also have access to a preview on November 23, before ZooLights opens to the public. Visit the special offers page for more info about member discounts.
Yes, members can bring guests to ZooLights just as they would on a regular zoo visit. The number of guests allowed is based on the membership level. Members can buy additional guest tickets online for quicker entry.
Lights start turning on at 4 p.m., and are fully lit by 5 p.m.
ZooLights is very popular during the first portion of the evening, from 5-7 p.m. Guests who want to avoid the crowds may want to visit after 7-7:30 p.m. The train lines tend to be longest from 6-7 p.m. The train will continue running until the line is gone, so experiencing the walk-through portion (95% of ZooLights) first may lead to the most positive guest experience.
ZooLights is busiest at the beginning of the evening, and crowds tend to thin out after 7:30 p.m. The least busy nights are weekdays during the first few weeks of ZooLights (Nov. 28 – Dec. 1 and Dec. 5-8).
Train rides last 6-8 minutes, including a brief winter-themed interlude and performance near the Family Farm. The ride includes lights not visible from the walking paths, but 95 percent of the displays are only visible on the walk-through experience. Trains begin running at 4:45 p.m. Tickets are $3.50 for members and $4 for all others.
Train lines tend to be longest from 6 to 7 p.m. To reduce wait time, the zoo is selling train rides in 15-minute increments. Visitors are encouraged to schedule their rides early by purchasing online here. Please factor in travel time and parking when choosing your timed ticket. Parking lots often fill early in the evening, so riding MAX is the best way to guarantee you make it to ZooLights. Plan your MAX trip with TriMet’s trip planner.
Visitors who miss their selected ride period can join the line to get on the next available train.
Learn more about parking and transportation options. Because parking lots fill quickly on busy evenings, visitors are encouraged to ride MAX to the zoo. The parking lot adjacent to the zoo is owned by Portland Parks, and fees collected are reinvested to improve Washington Park.
Parking is available at the Sunset Transit Center after 4 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends. Visitors can park for free and take the Blue or Red line one stop toward City Center to the Washington Park MAX station. Use the TriMet Trip Planner to plan your ZooLights trip.
If the decision is made to close the zoo, an announcement will be made to local news outlets, on our website and via our Facebook and Twitter accounts.
The Cascade Grill, Grill-to-Go, Black Rhino, BearWalk Café and AfriCafe are open most nights, as are carts along the ZooLights path featuring hot chocolate, popcorn and the zoo’s signature treat — elephant ears. Additional food carts will be available, excluding Value Nights. See the menu.
Please fill out the performance request form. Please note that due to demand not all groups may be scheduled.
Strollers, wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent through the ZooStore in the entry plaza. Learn more about accessibility at the zoo.
Portland, OR. If you’re looking for a way to burn off a few calories on Thanksgiving day, consider the 4-mile fun run, or walk, through Washington Park, which ends inside the zoo. You can Register online with Oregon Road Runners Club or by calling 503-667-0480.
The Thanksgiving Day “Turkey Trot” tradition on Thursday, November 24th, is organized by the Oregon Road Runners Club and raises about $25,000 each year to fund animal care and programs at the zoo.
| 4 Mile Run | 8:00AM PST – 12:00PM PST | $40 | Registration ends November 20, 2016 at 1:00pm PST |
| Tot Trot – 1/2 mile inside the Zoo (11 Yrs & Under) | 9:30AM PST – 11:00AM PST | $25 | Registration ends November 20, 2016 at 1:00pm PS |
Runners also get the chance to check out the animals.
Sea otters, Asian elephants and California condors are three of the most iconic species at the Oregon Zoo.
Here’s a video with all the sights and sounds of last year’s Turkey Trot.
Here are more details:
Location: Oregon Zoo in Portland, OR; Packet pickup is inside the World Forestry Center’s Cheatham Hall
Date: Thursday, November 24, 2016
Time: 8:00am
The most popular ORRC race, the Columbia Bank / ORRC Turkey Trot at the Oregon Zoo is a multi-generational family event. Runners and walkers of all abilities love the 4-mile, untimed outing between the Oregon Zoo and the International Rose Gardens. Participants finish inside the zoo, much to the delight of two-legged and four-legged mammals alike and features three fun kids’ events.
