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Oregon Zoo
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
4001 SW Canyon Rd
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 226-1561
4001 SW Canyon Rd
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 226-1561
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
62 reviews for Oregon Zoo
Doody doody do...my two nieces dragged me all over this joint and I had fun....Doody doody do it's a zoo.
FREEDOM NOW!
Wait keep them fuzzy SOB's in line...or I might have to take my pants off.
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Go in the morning or don't go at all! The parking for this zoo is a nightmare! This is because the Children's Museum, the Hoyt Arboretum, the zoo and a couple of other event venues ring a shared lot. If you happen here on a Saturday as we did, the fight is on to get your vehicle into a slot!
Once inside though, this zoo is actually pretty nice --- not what we're used to thanks to the abysmal state of the San Francisco Zoo. The habitats here are thoughtfully put together and in some cases make you feel like you've been dropped into the animal's space. The expansive polar bear exhibit had visitors dashing from viewing space to viewing space as the bears moved in play. The eagles hypnotized the kids spreading their wings and flying around their space. It was great!
Visitors follow a path that winds its way through lush greenery as habitat after habitat materialize. Another area of note is the cute little farm area where the kids were able to sit and steer a tractor, listen to stories and do crafts. There was also a cute little train station served by a more modern looking train than I've seen at other zoos.
I felt the food choices were a bit spotty though. It really annoys me when a place like this keeps one food window open to serve a snarling long line of loud starving children and their beleaguered parents. Anyone who has ever waited in a slow moving food line with a hungry kid will tell you, it's a little slice of hell. We enjoyed ourselves though.
One other thing to note: Happy Hollow members get into this zoo for half off --- make sure to bring your membership card!
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A very intimate, cute zoo that isn't more than five minutes from downtown Portland. As I'm used to the Bronx Zoo at home, I'm not accustomed to being so close to the animals. We were face to face with sea lions, tigers, leopards and elephants.
I may have a different perspective coming from a bigger city, but this was an excellent stop on our trip - and a great break from the city.
It is nice having a zoo so close by with its own MAX stop! Although I would like to give the zoo 5 stars, it is just not a five star place. I would reserve a five star rating for the San Diego Zoo, perhaps.
That said, the zoo has a nice variety of exhibits, a nice area for kids to play and run around, and from all the constructions that goes on, it looks like it may get four stars in the future.
Every time I go, I feel like there are barely any animals to view, and it is hard to see them.
This is a great place for families and the membership package is a good deal.
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Recently someone mentioned they had just one day to spend in Portland and wondered if they should go to the zoo. And I just shook my head and thought why... of all the glorious places in Portland, why would a solo traveler in their 20s/30s head for the zoo? Now don't get me wrong, the Oregon Zoo is A-OK, but unless you have small children or are attending a zoo concert I wouldn't put this at the top of your visitor list.
And I say this from experience. When my boys were young, I was a zoo member for three or four years and visited 1/2 a dozen times a year. So let me pass along a little old timer wisdom.
1) The best time to visit is first thing in the morning. The animals tend to be more active and you'll avoid the crowds. Our family's favorite time to visit was Sunday morning when most people are sleeping in, eating brunch or doing that whole church thing.
2) Parking can be a major pain since the lot is shared with CM2, the World Forestry Museum and Hoyt Arboretum. So park elsewhere and ride the MAX and as a bonus you'll visit one of the coolest MAX stations in Portland at Washington Park. At 260 feet underground, it is the deepest transit station in North America, and the second-deepest in the world.
3) Penguins are stinky. This is my least favorite exhibit.
4) Ride the zoo train. Although you don't see a lot of animals on the ride, this was always a hit with the kids. Get off at the Rose Test Garden depot and let the kids enjoy the Children's Play Park by the Elephant House down the hill or walk through the rose gardens and enjoy one of the best views of Portland. Keep in mind that the train is seasonal and they have special events like Zoo Lights at Christmas and the Boo Train at Halloween.
5) Attend a concert and bring your own picnic. We just went to the Oregon! Oregon! concert and had a great time under the stars singing along with Pink Martini and a few thousand strangers under the moonlight. You can bring your own food, but no beverages and yes food and drinks are expensive to buy on-site. Also, you can stake out your spot on the grass and then wander the zoo prior to the concert so it is a 2-for-1 deal.
6) See the summer free-flight bird show.
7) Visit the orangutans. By far the most interactive animals in the place, if you catch them on a good day.
This is a perfectly fine zoo, but not in the same league as the mythic San Diego Zoo. My favorite experiences have come over the course of many visits, so patience is key. If you have kids, I think an annual membership is worth it so you can make your visits as long or short as you like. Different animals and areas are more interesting than others on a given day. Let's face it, half the time the animals are asleep or not easily visible, so just go with the flow. My personal favorites are the sea lions when they swim towards the glass and do a u-turn, but on our last visit they were sleeping. But then I got to see the baby elephant, Zamudra, and a very cool bald eagle waiting to pounce on some fish.
So this place does a wonderful job with conservation efforts and educational classes, but if I'm rating it primarily as an entertainment venue, it is in the middle of the pack of Portland attractions for me.
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Gorgeous setting and habitats ranging from decent to outstanding, but I can't give Oregon Zoo more than three stars for a couple of reasons:
1. They didn't really make it clear prior letting us pay our admission fees that large portions of the zoo were being rebuilt and were off the table. I felt a little bit deceived to find that the entire African savannah section was closed.
2. It's a zoo. I get it that zoos play an important role in the conservation of biological diversity. I get it that modern zoos are something more than concentration camps for animals now that habitats have improved. Hell, my first three academic publications addressed reproductive behavior of golden-bellied mangabeys at a zoo.
But at some level, zoos are depressing -- it's a bummer watching a wide-ranging animal like a Steller sea lion or a polar bear pace back and forth in an enclosure, even if it's a relatively large enclosure. Add to that all the "world-is-coming-to-an-end" commentary at each exhibit, and.....well.....a visit to the zoo can leave you in search of strong drink.
One exhibit, though, made this old grouch feel like he was seeing something through the eyes of a kid -- the African bats. Cool. Way cool.
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A really nice zoo that includes a wide variety of animals and even a Pacific Shores (aquarium) setting. Parking is a breeze, prices are reasonable, and it shares the area with a variety of other museums and things to do with your kids. We barely had time for the zoo. To do just the zoo justice, you need a good couple of hours.
You can also pay extra for a fun train ride (about 10 minutes one way and 10 minutes back). It takes you to a rose garden in Washington Park. Unfortunately, we caught the last train and couldn't get off to explore the garden. Next time...
You can also purchase zoo keys that unlock secrets about animals at 15 stations throughout the zoo. If you have kids, this is a great place to visit. $10.50 adults. $7.50 youth.
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It's almost been a month since I've been to the zoo, and much longer since I visited as a kid. Everything seemed larger, and not so costly, such as paying $2 for parking in the lot. I thought we already donate to the zoo with our tax money. It's never enough.
My boyfriend and I went there to see the bears, especially the Malaysian Sun Bears. They were out and about consuming all the sunshine Oregon has to offer during Summer season.
We literally had to use a map to navigate through the zoo and very disappointed that so many exhibits were either underconstruction or closed. Makes me want to ask for my money back. If you don't want to chance it, go on Tuesdays it's free after 1 PM.
The zoo has changes so much from when I was a kid. The size is still the same, but all these additions, booth, etc. just really makes it seem cramped. Almost like a chicken trying to get some leg room in the hen house; not going to happen.
We decided to escape the bombardment of people by getting on the Washington Park train. You really do get to see the zoo from a different perspective. But with so many things closed and or underconstruction, we simply sat and rode around looking at bushes and various plant species. Save it for another day when the zoo is more alive.
If you're looking for the San Diego or DC zoo, you're not going to find it here. We do try to pack everything into a little space, but at least we try.
Bring your children, nieces, or nephew; the zoo is never fun without seeing the curious and wonders shining from their eyes.
Extremely affordable for the entire family.
I came here and was surprised by the wonderful array of animals big and small. My favorites included the gigantic polar bears, elephants, orangutans (who looked so sad) and the harbor seals.
My one observation: The FAKE kelp tank. The kelp was attached to the rocks, not by the hold fast, but were just merely attached. Also, kelp needs constant movement to grow, these were just suspended there. Another flaw, the tank had fake sea urchins and sea stars, and sea anemones. Urchins cant be kept with kelp because they eat kelp. I guess they cant, because they're FAKE.
I know its the summer season and i already anticipated the crowds, children and strollers, but it was worth it to see the orangutans
I have had a Oregon Zoo membership for years because I used to take my daughter there all the time for something to do on week days or weekends. I am not going to renew this year.
Zoo's in general make me sad but I understand for urban living that it can be educational for kids. I was excited yesterday because we all had the day off and the zoo opened the "Predators" section this past weekend so I thought we were going to see lions, cheetahs and other predators....no so much. We walked around and saw the usual zoo animals that have been there (the cougar was hiding) but when we got to the Predators there were construction workers inside the exibits so the animals were not, my daughter was disappointed as well as I was. We paid $30 to come see the new animals and we saw a Cheetah, that's it, all the others were put away. If I want to see construction workers I just have to walk down the street and I sure don't have to pay $30 to look at them.... I want my money back.
I am not saying that this is the last time I will go to the zoo, I have a child who likes going there, I just think that if they are going to be having exibits that are BRAND NEW closed down they should put that up front before you spend your money to go in.
Having lived in Oregon the majority of my life, I feel as though the Oregon Zoo is MY zoo. Reviewing it is a little bit like having to rate my children, of course there will be some favoritism!
That being said, I know this is not the best zoo in the world. But it's a good zoo. The key to really having an excellent experience here is to come at the right time.
First, I recommend to NEVER go on the second Tuesday of the month, aka Two dollar Tuesdays. Unless you are extremely patient and really love crowds, it's pretty much torturous. Yes, it's nice to save money, but the massive crowds are just not worth it. (I, myself, have learned that since I go to the zoo at least once a month, paying for an annual membership is by far the best way to go.)
And once you get inside, you really should be happy by the vast array of animals on display. Monkeys, bears, snakes, alligators, zebras, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, goats, beavers and ducks, komono dragon, pigs, bald eagles, elk, elephants... the list goes on and on! Just be smart about when you go. If it's too hot out, animals will try to stay out of the sun, i.e. indoors, out of view. And it seems like the animals get fed around 2 or 3pm, which is more entertaining than usual.
If all that is not enough, September 12 marks the return of lions!
Where else can you see hippos swimming around, wiggling their ears and a baby elephant splashing around in a wading pool, without even having to buy a plane ticket?
It might not be the best zoo ever, but it's OUR zoo, and there's just a sense of pride that comes with that.
Great animal habitats. Very nicely laid out. Some hands on experiences.
This zoo has a really wide variety of animals, which I enjoyed. Bonus: they had plenty of turtles, which made me quite happy. Going in March was an awesome idea because there were hardly any people inside at all. It made it a lot more fun to be able to get clear pictures and get up close to see the animals without a ton of people crowding in.
The parking situation is really easy and cheap considering the number of museums you can visit in the area.
I was disappointed that the current construction really had an effect on my experience. I understand that construction needs to go on to improve the zoo, but certain pathways were closed off and this made the layout confusing, especially since there weren't enough signs helping people determine which way to go. I got turned around several times trying to find the Africa area due to closure of areas nearby.
There were also a lot of things closed down for the season like restaurants and the train. I'd like to try and see this place in the summer, when everything is up and running. It seemed awful sad to walk by all the closed restaurants and such.
Overall, I had fun here, but it wasn't the best zoo I've ever visited.
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The Oregon Zoo is one of the better zoos I've been to. Not as amazing as the London or San Diego Zoos, but still provides great education about the animals, conservation efforts and quite a wide variety. Of course, it's always tough to see animals penned up and sometimes acting anxious, but at least I know some of the cost of my ticket goes toward conservation (you can read about it online or on signs all over the Zoo).
I love the Great Northwest, Bats and Asian Elephant exhibits. The Zoo's Asian Elephant breeding program has been in place for almost 30 years and the new baby boy, Samudra, is super cute!
For only $9.75 (adult fee), I can get some exercise and see an adorable baby elephant with his mama, watch polar bears swim, check out the chimps scratching their butts, giggle at the giraffe licking his window, and ogle the beautiful wolves from the Minnesota Zoo.
There are plenty of bathrooms and cafes, as well as strollers to use for the little ones. It's tempting to stop for an elephant ear near the elephant exhibit, but I usually overcome it. Overall, a great place to go for a walk and see some awesome animals!
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Tonight was the Members Preview of Zoo Lights, the holiday of electrical useage. I swear this place must have a bigger carbon footprint than Godzilla! I wasn't sure if I was dazzled by all the lights or if I was having a seizure.
The Wife and the Official Tax Deduction went with a friend of his from daycare and his Mother. Three adults vs two 3 year olds, maybe with a few more adults it would have been a fair fight, the kids had us on the ropes for the whole evening, and because they are so short every jab is below the belt! We muddled through though and saw some cool stuff.
We happened to get down to the ticket booth for the Zoo Lights Train just as it opened and got tickets fast. By shear happenstance we blundered to where the line was to form and wound up being the first in line to ride the train! I race cars, so being first in anything gives me a warm fuzzy feeling all over. The trainride in the steam engine was just amazing and fun and the light displays were just great, and not just for three year olds. It is the best deal in the park too, $3.00 for adults and $1.50 for kids and your kids will remember it for a long time.
After that we were hungry and went for dinner at the AfriCafe. Three adults, two kids and $34 later we were eating typical Zoo Chow, brats and hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches. It was painful financially, but really you have to prepare yourself for that when you go to a place like this, and besides you know the profits go to the critters and that makes it that much easier to choke down Purina Human Chow. However one nice thing is the staff is just amazingly friendly and really tries to make you feel at home. It's almost like there is a needlepoint motto in the back of the kitchen that says, "These people are overpaying, we can at least be nice to them."
Zoo Lights is totally worth whatever pain you have to suffer to get there.
My personal advice? Thanks for asking! Park somewhere along the Max line and take the train (keep your ticket and save the $1 parking fee). It is low stress and kind of relaxing to just sit and not have to drive after you've walked your Dr Scholls insoles flatter than roadkill.
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Once again, the boys had a day off from school due to some sort of 'teacher planning day'...wish I had a 'nurses' planning day', but anyway, it was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine in the crisp Autumn breeze. What better way to head out to the zoo?
I really despise the reviews that say ANYTHING 'sucks' because not only is it a crude word, it also says more about the reviewer's lack of vocabulary than the place itself. So, let me just begin by stating that the Oregon Zoo does a fine job & visitors (especially those from out of state and the suburbs, to boot) should be thankful. This is my small rant at a couple of the zoo's reviewers who clearly have not been to some zoos which are considerably less than stellar.
I thought the entrance fee was a bit steep ($32.00 for the 4 of us to get in), tho' I certainly understand the need to have enough funding to maintain a zoo of this size, so no complaints. The set up was a bit confusing, but not if you actually check your map, which is provided. There IS some construction going on, but I find this a healthy thing, considering it's all for the betterment of the animals.
We especially enjoyed seeing the polar bears (the one recovering from her abcess surgery was mighty impressive tearing into her block of ice with salmon & carrots embedded inside). The mountain goats, eagles, and cougar were also a real treat. I especially enjoyed seeing the otters & beavers and learning all about the 'pocket gopher'-Nature's Gardener, according to the literature. Who knew?!
I highly recommend a trip to this zoo. It isn't fog-bound like most days at the San Francisco Zoo, nor is it filled with obnoxious behavior like the Oakland Zoo (at least this is what we always encountered when we were there). The keepers are trying their hardest to educate the public on these beautiful animals, to have respect for the environment, and to maintain a great place to observe these creatures. I only wish the gallon-sized slurpee sucking individuals who seem to view the zoo thru' the lens of their cameras while nudging everyone else out of their way (who are actually using their eyes) would have more consideration. The masses of women with strollers barreling through the lanes seem to be oblivious, too. Since when did a stroller become the Hummer of toddler vehicles?? Make those kids walk & tire them out, so some of us can actually navigate around!
Most of my complaints are about the people who go to the zoo, not the place itself. Parking was a snap, it did not feel overly crowded, the facilities were spectacularly clean...this is worth a visit and we will be returning. Remember, OR voters, there are some bond measures to improve your zoo. Please consider voting for anything that helps this fine institution improve the quality & care of these fantastic fellow beasts.
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I have been going to this zoo since before I can remember and it has changed a lot for the better.
The Oregon Zoo makes a huge attempt to imitate the habitat of the animals that reside there. The African and rain forest exhibits are great. The fake thunderstorms are an extra good touch.
I really like how in the recent years have tried to gear the zoo toward more local animals and make it unique. The Coast exhibit and the Cascade exhibits are both excellent.
I do miss the animal shaped french fries and the Packy Pops.
Oregon Zoo Summer Concert is one of events in Portland not to be missed. Where else can you sit on your blankets or chairs, have a good conversation with your friend/s with something to drink and let your body, mind, and soul to enjoy fantastic music.
There were tons of people when I attended the concert, but we were able to get a spot on "the blanket only" area. Too bad this was our first time went to the summer concert so we didn't know that we could bring food from home, but not drinks. So we ended up with Zoo food.
Minus one star because The Elephant Ears stand is cash only and my $5 cash wasn't enough to cover one elephant ears and a pop. So no elephant ears for me :(.
Also, the Vegan Sandwich that my friend had was terrible. It served cold and she didn't finish it. My popcorn was alright, but I rather had the hot dog that you guys were out of..
Next time I'll come prepare and perhaps you will gain another star...
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It seems like everyone gets a "good" idea at the same time. I can't blame them: The first sunny Portland Saturday in months and OF COURSE we flock to the zoo.
I decided way ahead of time that I would eat my dollar and drive there. Even though the lot is often full, I can always find a spot.
As my carpool approached the shiny zoo exit off the freeway, there is a small sandwich-board sign saying that the lot is filled to capacity and to move on to the shuttle lot. Um. OKAY. And this is as we see yellow SCHOOL BUSES packed with kids and parents driving into the zoo. Ferreals.
So we drive about five miles to the shuttle lot, which, surprise, surprise, was also full. And there's a line about half that distance just to get on the school bus. Lots of double-wide strollers. Lots of tourists with bucket hats and tourist camera straps.
Then AC just says screw it...move on to the Park and Ride in BEAVERTRON. (Yes, flipping Beavertron.)
We drive all the way out there to find that the ticket booths are broken. No MAX ticket. Which means that after we drove, went to a few different lots, took the MAX, wait in a 45-minute line (at the event we're already late for), and pay...we didn't get our $1 off admission because we couldn't PROVE we took MAX.
MINUS A STAR! TAKE THAT, ZOO!
Whew! Let me take a breather there.
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Thanks. Okay. Where was I?
Oh yeah...sunny Saturday.
Yes, everyone and their double-triple-quadruple-wide strollers were there. Many of these moms very loud and adamant about scolding their tushy butted children.
But that didn't keep me down!
We hiked the Pacific Northwest trails!
We stared at zebra butts and fed lorikeets!
We paid $4 to walk through an exhibit with anamatronic dinosaurs!
And it was fun...oh...so much fun. I'll take the $5 ice cream and the $8.25 dino-nuggets and triceratots at the AfriCafe. Because the zoo is one huge and beautiful photo-op that brings the world's animals to Oregon. Arctic penguins. Asian and African elephants. North American eagles. And the number-one threat to America: BEARS.
I AM REBORN: I have rediscovered the joys of the zoo...something I hadn't felt since I was a child.
And I've always said that ZooLights during the winter is seriously one of the most romantic places to go on a date. People cock their brows, stare at me, and laugh while shaking their head. Whatever. Haters.
And the summer Zoo Concert series? They're good enough to make you brave the parking lot....
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I cannot understand why they remodeled this place to so that people now have to walk up/down a big winding hill. Back when I was a kid it was just walk straight in on level ground. The hill makes it so hard for disabled citizens and kids, even with the little power cars.
Also, they got rid of a lot of the petting zoo, and I have a BIG PROBLEM with this. As a teenager I volunteered at the Children's Zoo and it was amazing! We had a calf, ferrets, rabbits, geese, opossums, guinea pigs, piglets that could untie your shoes, the list goes on. We could teach the younger kids how to pet the animals and feed them. It was awesome! Now every time I go it's goats only in one spot and then some rabbits up at another. Nothing else.
Also, what a waste of $ changing the name from Washington Park Zoo to Oregon Zoo. As for the other exhibits, the trails can be difficult to follow and too long. They no longer have the night jungle exhibits, with night cats on display. You would walk into this little man made cave and hear all these night sound and view the cats pacing back and forth. What happened to the giant dinosaur statues you could climb on too?
Anybody else remember all this stuff? At least we have the well stocked though expensive gift shop and very nice, friendly staff. But, I miss my old fun zoo! Bring it back!!!!!
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Elephants, lizards, polar bears, black bears, monkeys of all sorts, giraffes, penguins, fucking bald eagles, spiked frogs, mountain goats, and so much more. It was pouring rain (as it usually does in Portland), the zoo was completely empty yet all the animals were out in full force! What a wonderful zoo! The only drawback is the major construction/renovation this place is currently experiencing. Poor creatures.
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Remember sitting in the outdoor ampitheater watching the bird show? I went here a lot on field trips as a kid. I would always sit with my best friend, Phil and we'd "ooh and ahh" at the bald eagles, but not the turkey vultures. We thought it looked like an evil turkey that would eat our eyeballs.
I was supposed to meet a friend here sometime in the future when I made it back to Portland. I wanted to look at the tigers, the sun bears laying on the branch, and my favorite habitat with the polar bears under water. I wouldn't mind taking a peek at the elephants and where Packy used to live. Packy was my favorite elephant in the whole wide world. http://www.oregonzoo.o...
but, I won't be back to Portland for quite some time, I'm guessing October. Hopefully the weather will hold and it will be sunny when I have the chance to go again.
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I get off the MAX at Washington Park and head off. When I get to CM2 (the original OMSI) I realize 2 things.
1. I haven't been up here since OMSI moved.
2. I went the wrong way and have no freaking idea where the zoo entrance is
While waiting in line I mention realization #1 to DK (I'm all about the initials now) and she says that she has no idea when that was. While waiting at the ATM with AC I check on my iPhone (because I'm coo' lyk dat) and it was in NINETEEN FREAKING NINETY TWO.
AC says that he was in second grade in '92. Damn kids.
Where was I? Oh, the zoo. I'm willing to give them credit for the fourth star, because I'm sure when the animals aren't hiding from the plague of brats it rocks. The line for admission moved quickly, more quickly than the freaking elephant ear line. But the ear itself was the bizzomb. When I was finished there was enough leftover sugar on the plate to kill a diabetic. AWESOME!
I had some of DK's tots. When they were hot they were really really good. But we decided they were undercooked, because as they cooled they went nastay. And they had dinosaur shaped chicken strips. Wow.
Speaking of dinosaurs, the Dino Walk? NOT worth $4. Even with the spitting dinosaur and cool mist action. And I want to know exactly who would find it too intense. You're kidding, right?
Rebecca, I'm also bummed we didn't meet up with you. It didn't help that, well, all of us were late. Our bad.
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Sucks.
It was packed the day we went so that has a lot to do with why I'm annoyed. Also the way the place is set up sucks...narrow walking paths and many dead ends...
wanted to maybe catch a glimpse of the new baby elephant but the line was so long so we skipped that.
I remember why I hate zoo's and probably won't go again. Ever.
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I've been to a lot of zoos, but this was one of the nicest. It's big and has a lot of different habitats. The gift shop is actually really nice and has lots of cool little toys/stuffed animals and all sorts of other overpriced stuff.
My only issue with this zoo is that the enclosures for the animals were really small. A lot of the animals were just pacing back and forth in their tiny little areas, which was hard to see. Even at smaller zoos that I've been to, they've had much, MUCH bigger areas for the animals to roam in.
I probably wouldn't go again, but it was really nice to do once.
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As a work-trip concluded on a particularly cold morning a few years back, I remember peering at the Atlantic before catching my flight. That night, friends and I enjoyed beers at a bon-fire on the shores of the Pacific. The mere impossibility of this experience only 100 years ago continues to astound me.
I continue to take for granted that even in the modern society of today, there are people in our country who will die never having seen the ocean, much less two in one day.
Because of this phenomenon, you've got to give it up for the zoos of the world. I've been a long time (and typically membership holding) fan since I was just a wee lad.
Now, the Oregon Zoo is no "World Famous San Diego Zoo" by any means, but it also doesn't cost $28 a person to get in or charge you almost $10 for a hot dog. For just $10 you can see animals from all around the world in a mere three hours. I watched an asian elephant dine on some grass about fifteen feet from where I stood, just twelve minutes from my apartment. Pretty impressive if you ask me.
When I lived in SD, the zoo had plenty of warnings about what to do if you encountered a mountain lion, poisonous snake or scorpion in the area. I never realized how little attention I paid to the warnings until today - reading exhibit notes on how to handle a black bear encounter. I'm sure they're a small threat on a local scale, but I'm having a hard time accepting that I've traded rattlesnakes and spiders for the likes of bobcats, black bears and cougars.
As soon as I figure out how not to look like a kid in a candy store while walking through, UYE Zoo may become a reality some weekend soon.
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I sooo want the zoo to be a 5 star winner in my book. Just can't do it... yet. I'm hoping after the new primate exhibit I can add a star. Took the kids yesterday for our annual summer visit to the zoo ( I know we should go more often, but don't yell. I did buy a membership to support the efforts). Once you've been to the San Diego Zoo, it's hard not to do a comparison of the kinds of exhibits that COULD exist. The monkeys make me the saddest because of their archaic institutional type habitat.
There are some cool things about our local zoo. The Lorakeets are fun, the polar bears are always a joy. My kids even like the bat exhibit. For some reason elephants seem to be a Portland fave and the elephant museum is a nice shot a tribute to their history around the world.
I love the deal we got on the membership and knowing that the money supports the operational costs and helps them with new exhibits is even better.
I can't wait to see the new monkey exhibit so I just add one more star...
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Living in San Diego being used to the "World's Famous San Diego Zoo" I expected a level or so below when i went to the Oregon Zoo. But to my surprise, this place went above and beyond. World Famous? What's that?
I really thought it was unique how intimate every animal encounter was. And with a majority of the animals being from the Northwest, it was cool to see them in "natural habitat" as the area inside and around the zoo was full of trees. Much more real. And all of the tourist stuff, doesn't really exist. Sure, they have a gift shop, but it's not shoved down your throat. Last I checked, zoo's are to learn about and see animals, not about key chains and decorative water bottles.
And I hear Tuesday's it's super cheap or free. One of two. I can't remember.
But when I walked the entire zoo, I was thoroughly impressed.
Defiantly on my destination list again next time I am in the Northwest.
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I'm totally bummed that we got there before 12, waited for awhile after 12, and never found any other Yelpers. I don't know where you all met up but it wasn't where we could find you.
The zoo is lovely. It's easy to navigate and has good exhibits. It made me sad to see the elephant inside shaking its head back and forth, and another elephant walking in a circle, and the polar bear just swimming back and forth. These can be behaviors of bored animals. The animals seem well treated, so I'm not sure if the behaviors were odd. I always feel a litle sad at the zoo, like it's not REALLY right, but with humans taking over all the land, would these animals be alive in the wild? I don't know, it's too deep for a sunny Saturday.
The landscaping and terrain is gorgeous and the park was really busy but didn't feel overly full. We had to park in the shuttle lot which was easy and really well organized, with buses running every few minutes.
I'm sad I didn't get to see fellow yelpers, but happy I got to spend the day with my sister touring the zoo in the sunshine. She's a nanny and leave it to her to find a lost kid in the park and return it to the rightful owner. She's supernanny.
We made it through the entire park in two hours. With kids I'm sure it would take longer.
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When we first came in and started down the Northwest path, I was impressed how the zoo fit into the natural terrain. However, as we went on I was more and more disappointed by how many exhibits were empty with no explanation in addition to all the exhibits that said they were under renovation. There were no lions, no tigers, few apes and no gorillas, my favorite animal.
I have to admit that I always have mixed feelings about zoos. I enjoy watching animals up close but if they seem to me to be unhappy, uncomfortable, or bored, I feel bad too. Watching the black bear endlessly pace back and forth every few feet was painful to watch as was the case with many other animals in very small enclosures.
I couldn't help but compare this experience to the Wildlife Safari in Winston Oregon we had gone to a couple days earlier where animals roam freely over a large area and yet are easy to see. They appear to me to be content, relaxed, and behaving as they would in the wild.
In thinking over the couple dozen zoos I've visited in the U.S. and Europe, other than the Portland Zoo's nice natural setting, I think this is the worst of them all. In my opinion, when it comes to zoos, a poor zoo is much worse than none at all. If Portland doesn't have the money for a major renovation and complete rethinking of this zoo, please get rid of it. I wish I could erase this experience from my mind.
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Lots and lots of cool exhibits! Goats, bears, owls, and the polar bear exhibit has a big glass wall where you can watch them swim! Bats, frogs, naked mole rats...too many cool animals to count. I like the way the enclosures are set in a natural surrounding, especially the part near the entrance.
The only bummer is that as you get deeper into the zoo you end up at the bottom of the hill, and to get out you have to hike uphill. I guess that's the price of having the zoo in a nice natural location outside the main part of the city.
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I do NOT see how this "zoo" (and I use that term loosely, VERY loosely0 has gotten such great reviews.
Oh, no wait. I know why. All of the other people who have been there must have gone when EVERY OTHER EXHIBIT didn't have a sign up that said something to the effect of "coming in August" or "temporarily closed" or some other off-putting slogan that basically meant "move it along people, nothing to see here" and particularly, nothing of the ANIMAL variety.
I really don't see how they can get away with charging full admission when over half of the animals they are supposed to have weren't even there!
Not only do they have a poor selection of animlas to see, in the first place, even the ones they did have weren't there whether it was due to on-going maintenance or construction, or whatever.
Overall, just a horrible excuse for a "zoo". I am only giving it one star because I HAVE TO in order to submit this review.
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Very nice zoo with many animals to see. We went last year when they had the dinosure exhibit. The surroundings with many giant trees make you feel like you're hiking in a forest. It's a pretty large zoo, my daughter got tired half way and I was 5 months preggie, so I barely made it to the car. Overall, it was a nice experience and we would go back again.
:]
Although my camera died just a few minutes into the zoo ...
I still managed to take a few pictures of some active
polar bears and baboons!
The most memorable experience - ever -
happened at the zoo.
It happened at the tortoise exhibit.
Yes, I know, who even looks at the tortoise exhibit?
When I arrived at the exhibit, there were a few people
gathered at the front of the glass, and a Zoo Volunteer
trying to figure out how to work her radio,
mumbling something like "Damn things, they never work."
I noticed as I stepped closer, two small tortoises.
One, was laying on his back (his name was Fred)
and the other was a foot away from him,
lounging under the heat lamp - his name was Hank.
Red Flag. A tortoise, once on is back, is generally
rendered hopeless, since he has no way of righting himself.
I was scared, as I began to wonder how long
he could survive on his back like that without help?
What if all the blood rushes to his head and he dies?
Did he need help right now, or were they okay for a
little while on their backs? He didn't look too upset ...
Until he started thrashing uncontrollably.
Fred's head was shaking from side to side
so fast it became a blur, as he tried to build
some momentum, obviously, to right himself.
He took a short break, and began flailing his limbs
and head again ...
It was the saddest thing I had ever seen.
Here we are, oggling at this poor, hopeless creature
through the glass, when he just needs a little nudge.
I know how serious this could be;
this is how tortoise die in the wild.
I think Fred knew too, as he kept thrashing around,
each time a little more hopelessly :(
His tank mate, Hank, was up and about now.
I'd heard a fellow onlooker mention that this tortoise might
become aggresive to the helpless one.
As Hank moved closer to hopeless Fred,
I felt the nerves in my stomach clench.
Poor Fred was so vulnerable, who could think about
hurting him at a time like this?!
We watched helpess Fred lie on his back
and thrash with no avail, again and again.
When was help coming?!
Hank moved in a few quick brisk circles
around Fred; we readied ourselves for an attack.
But suddenly ...
Hank, had finished his last circle,
and was coming up to a rock right next to Fred.
He slowed, looked around him, and moved
two legs on the rock, two legs on level ground,
hunkered down to Fred's height, and began to push,
slowly.
"Leave him alone!" We all thought, "Don't hurt him!"
And Fred began to flail, but Hank just kept right on pushing.
He moved a third leg up onto the rock for more leverage,
and like rolling a rock over, began to build some momentum
for a large push ... A push that would right Fred back to normal!
Hank mastermined the rescue mission,
and exceeded with flying colors, as Fred
rolled his head and limbs over to one side, it was
the last bit Hank needed get him rightsight up!
Hank walked up to Fred, acknowledged him,
and walked back over to his heat lamp, laid down,
and closed his eyes.
I felt the lump in my throat, and my eyes began
to well with tears, but I made sure not to let them spill
down my cheeks ...
As I walked away from the exhibit and away from
the crowd, I sighed a sigh of relief.
And then let the tears fall.
They did it without the help of anyone else.
Just two old Tortoises.
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The Oregon Zoo isn't bad. It's missing some of the key animals that I'm used to seeing in the Los Angeles Zoo, but it's still a nice one. The polar bear was really amusing. He looked like he belonged in a Coca Cola commercial with the way he was playing :) And Lorikeet Landing was cool too.
I also went to Zoo Lights, which would have been better if I had gone maybe 2 weeks sooner than I did, when it wasn't freezing cold and raining. Bah.
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I'm by no means a zoo connoisseur, so in the scheme of things I can't compare this zoo to any others. I haven't ever had a bad experience here. You can't be impatient though when you go. This is a place people love to bring the kiddies, so you're going to hear screaming and there will be mobs in front of some of the exhibits. I love the layout of the zoo because the walkways are vast and can accommodate the hordes of families and five-way strollers that seem to occupy them. There are food booths abound, but if you're going to eat, I'd suggest bringing stuff in picnic style and eating on any of the grassy spots and soak up the sun. Although, I say a trip to the zoo isn't complete without an order of animal fries!
The zoo keepers and volunteers are generally very helpful and knowledgeable. They definitely know their stuff and seem passionate about their job. That's what I love to see.
During the crowded times, parking can and will be a nightmare. Overflow parking doesn't always handle everyone so the zoo borrows some school busses and runs a shuttle from some nearby commercial parking lots. I've had that pleasure, and it wasn't an overall terrible experience.
They also do a Zoo Lights display during the holiday season. I can see the appeal, but I'm not one for paying money to traipse around in the dark freezing my butt off. I only went because I had a zoo membership and could get in for free. I miss my membership though.
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The Oregon Zoo is big enough to keep you occupied meandering through the crowds and looking at animals for a good chunk of time without being too big and overwhelming.
The penguins are smelly and cute, and the goats are adorable. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to go, but expect the crowds that always come with a lower price.
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Go to ride the train. Kids love it.
The train runs the long loop from the zoo to the station in lower Washington Park near the rose garden. It runs the short loop in the shoulder season and then shuts down in late fall and only runs during zoo lights on the shot loop.
The summer months are Zoo time for me. A couple of tips. If you are going to go more then a few times a year and plan on taking the whole family, and parking really look into the memberships. They are great a great value. Second, go early in the morning. Opening is best. You have no problem parking, and in the summer months the animals are active because it is cooler and their are usually being fed. I recommend packing a lunch and taking a break in the grassy area by the elephants. Packing a lunch in saves money as the prices are higher then average. I will say tho, the food revenue does go toward the animals and upkeep of the zoo so it is for a good cause.
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We had a blast at the Oregon Zoo! It is small in scale, but that is a plus, as you can easily get through it in a day without rushing. The sea lion and otter exhibits were very well done, with both outdoor and under water viewing areas. I have never seen a sea lion diving up close before, and it was spectacular.
The bears seemed a little stressed--lots of pacing--and I always find that depressing. But as zoos go, it was pretty cool.
Loved the train. Figured out that if you want, you can buy your tickets to the zoo and board the train at the little station above the rose garden and ride the train into the zoo! Maybe next time.
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Lions and tigers and bears OH MY!
I don't seem to stop going even though I'm all grown up.
There's always a reason to stop in:
Zoo concerts in the summer where you can bring in a picnic dinner and camp out on the lawn all for the price of admission
Zoo lights in the winter where they deck every inch of the space in lights
Halloween zoo train ride in october that is hilarious.
The elephant ears that are the best sugary, fried, goodness I've ever tasted
Need I say more?
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