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Oregon Zoo
Category: Active Life Zoos Zoos [Edit]
4001 SW Canyon RdPortland, OR 97221
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland
(503) 226-1561
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
134 reviews for Oregon Zoo
134 reviews in English
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Review from Mish M.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I love going to the zoo! I've been several times, and go to Zoo Lights at least once every year. I've been to other zoo light displays, and Portland's is the best and most extensive that I've seen. I never get tired of this zoo!
Yes, definitely take public transit if you can. Their parking lot is very small, and it will fill up on weekends and other special days. Cool tip: there is a Max stop right there at the zoo, and you get a discount on zoo admission if you show your ticket stub. There's so much to see and do, and their food isn't bad either. I had some fantastic chicken strips there recently, and my mom's burrito was yummo. Get a deal by going on the $4 Tuesday they have each month, but be warned: it gets REALLY BUSY. Same goes for the $4 Tuesday during Zoo Lights - its madness.
I wouldn't recommend waiting in line for the train during Zoo Lights. Their website says you can see things that you won't see by walking around, but it's not much. Definitely not worth it (for me, with no kids) to wait in line for any amount of time to ride a train in the dark and see a few extra lights. It's definitely more fun to walk around and experience the sea of lights it that way! No, you won't see all the animals, but do you really expect to? Its dark. And cold! I hate with people say they had a horrible time because they didn't see animals - enjoy the lights :) There are a few animals to see.
I'm surprised at the reviewer that said he had a terrible time with his family and saw lots of trash. I've always been amazed at how clean the zoo is, and how well the staff/volunteers keep it up. -
Review from nik o.
11/29/2011 8 photos
I can't say enough good things about the zoolights holiday/Xmas light display at the zoo after dark. Went on the opening night on black Friday with 6 kids. Their parents were members so we got free guest entry but I think it was $9 for adults.
The animals were all asleep, so don't expect to see anything - the night is all about the lights. Practically every surface is dripping with LED lights, it was beautiful! There's kind of an African Serengeti scene in the field in the middle and a random gingerbread house off to the side. They generally try to match the theme to the area of the zoo, although I dunno where Alice in wonderland and dinosaurs fit in.
We brought kids ranging from 1-6 but you totally don't need to be with kids to appreciate the beauty and whimsy of zoolights. There's also a short train ride that takes you in a circle around the park. Think price was $3.50 inside, or $1.50 if you get it with your admission. Just a warning that the line is ridiculously long. Guesstimating 30-45 min? A random lady gave us hers in the parking lot because line was over an hour. We got on the very last train of the night with no line and basically had the entire train to ourselves. I'd say worthwhile if you have kids, but its all stuff you can see walking around.
We wandered for over 2hrs and I think we missed a few areas. Be sure to bundle up because its chilly, and bring or rent a stroller if you have kids. Its a long walk. They have coffee and hot chocolate at several stands scattered around the zoo. Cocoa is reasonable at $2.50 but a latte was over $5. Zoolights runs thru Jan 1st and I saw a sign that its bogo on certain weekdays. Definitely worth it even at full priceListed in: I heart Portland (and…
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Review from Dustin R.
Garden Grove, CA
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I flew into Portland for the weekend, and this was the first place we took our 1 year old daughter to... not the hotel... the zoo. Parking was a nightmare... I am guessing a lot of people park there and take the MAX into downtown...? They charge you parking at the gate on an honor system... which was weird...
The zoo itself was a lot of fun... nice habitats for the animals... good lay out... and for the price, couldn't argue one bit... -
Review from Leanna J.
Portland, OR
1/19/2012
I just recently went here and a month later visited the San Diego Zoo. I compared which one was better, obviously I loved the Oregon one better all because there were no tourist to fight my way around. I went to the Oregon zoo in December. I could have dressed myself alot warmer but I had alot of fun it was not to large so we walked to twice. The polar bears were not around which was a little disappointing. I really loved how we could sit around and watch the animals as long as we wanted without feeling rushed. The animals were alot more interactive like the lions den. My boyfriend and I were sitting in the little den where you have the glass seperating you and where the lions sleep. Well the lions were playing with eachother and it ran to the glass pouncing at us. I screamed and I started looking for my boyfriend who ditched me, I will remember never to go to Africa with him.
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Review from Ron O.
Los Gatos, CA
1/11/2012
One of the best Zoos I have been to. Not that I have been to tons but this one stands out above the rest. I love the Pacific Northwest section. It feels like you are on a hike in the Oregon woods except on this hike you see ALL of the native wildlife. Even a mountain Lion and Black bears.
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Review from Jordan P.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2011
Awesome zoo in a forest setting. Good variety of happy-looking animals.
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Review from Hanna D.
9/13/2011 1 photo
I love this zoo. It is the perfect size for a day outing with the kids, a friend, or family, it has a good layout and interesting creatures.
Every second Tuesday of the month, the zoo's admission is $4! Can't beat that!
Having lived in San Diego for years, I have been a tad bit spoiled by the San Diego Zoo (negotiably the best zoo in the world). However, I enjoyed this zoo as much as I enjoyed the San Diego, if not more!
This zoo has a great layout. It's incredibly walkable and well laid out. Most of the exhibits have multiple viewing points so you can see multiple angles or see the animals from any angle.
The exhibits are really interesting and they have a nice variety of animals. There aren't tons of animals, but you've got the essentials and then some other interesting regional animals. Many of the animals are encouraged to stay within viewing range or have windows into their sleepy spaces so you can see them.
This place is also really kid friendly. A lot of things for them to crawl on, move, turn, etc. Kid friendly viewing areas with tons of little houses and portals for them to look in. The trails aren't steep and you can bring your stollers just about anywhere. There are also lots of restrooms placed sporadically throughout the trails and most of them have snacks and sodas. Additionally, their food isn't outrageously overpriced.
The enclosures are not the best, but the animals seem happy. They are all pretty well socialized and seem to enjoy charming the crowds.
Overall, I would definitely return. It's not expensive, it's fun for the entire family, and you get to learn something. -
Review from Josh W.
The Oregon Zoo was a great time. We took our 2.5 year old girl here to see the animals last week. Now, this is the OREGON zoo right? Not a petting zoo...so why in the hell fire wouldn't there be more parking!! That's my only complaint...
We were able to get tickets "kinda" quickly....we waited for about 5 minutes at the window, and the lady on the phone pointed us to the Customer service area where they were able to give us our tickets for admission.
I found it SO FUNNY listening to people worrying about a bear cub hiding up in the trees...."oh my god....there's a bear in the trees???" or "what if the bear falls out of the tree". Granted I spent YEARS in the woods, and I understand how wild animals operate.
It was great for our little girl. She loved the animals, she loved the elephant ears as most kids do!
I was a little miffed with the wolf display. Now, I'm not jumping to conclusions, and thought about it after words, but.......there was a white wolf in there that was literally skin and bones. i'm HOPING this was a wolf that was saved from the wild. I know they are thin and lanky by nature, but this was crazy. If that wolf has been there that long and looking that rough, then that things being neglected like whoa! But again, i'm simply hoping it was saved.
Admission was fare, I think $21 for both adults and our girl is under 3 so she was free.
I recommend going on a cooler day, or going a bit earlier. Once the zoo filled up and the sun came out, a lot of the animals would hide in the shade.
and to future visitors.....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE....read the signs that display what the animal is. "OH LOOK!!! An Antelope!!" really? Antelope mixed in with a damn giraffe in the African display?? Come on folks...use our noggins....No, I dont remember the names of what they were...but I was able to read the sign and know that it's not an animal that's extremely common in Wyoming.
Head down to the Zoo, it's a really fun time and well worth the money. Remeber, it's all about the kids. -
Review from Melissa P.
Portland, OR
7/15/2011
Who doesn't love the zoo?
Sure it's filled with hillbilly outoftowners on sunny summer weekends. And maybe I pay too much for a corndog.. but I LOVE lorakeets and will feed them pricey nectar cups all day. It's kind of priceless to see smiling kids all awonder with seals and hippopotomi. And I remember how much fun my local small zoo was when I was a wee one.. I think the zoo is more romantic memories for adults and present animal pooping for kids. But once again, how can you not love that?Listed in: Aboob
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Review from Emily G.
Portland, OR
8/21/2011
Went to the zoo with my niece and nephew. It was just as I remembered from my childhood--depressing--the cages are way too small and the elephants made me sad. I saw the same scenario that made me burst into tears as a child: one elephant inside in a cage that, in comparison to its size, was smaller than a jail cell, and then when you walk outside, you see another elephant banging on the door that connects the confinement to the outdoor area. Elephants are intelligent animals and should be treated with more respect.
I can only imagine how the weekend concerts affect the animals.
I find it funny that not one other review says anything about the cage sizes when in casual conversation around town, anytime someone mentions the zoo, someone says something about feeling sorry for the animals in such small cages. Weird.
The trained bird show was also terrible. It was packed full of bad jokes and puns that even the children didn't find funny. I found myself unwilling to clap for the "Oregon Duck" for the first time in my life.
Wild animal parks are much more humane. It's surprising to see such a poor example of a zoo in such a progressive city. Shame on you Oregon Zoo! -
Review from Deeandra H.
Hood River, OR
8/28/2011
Isn't it funny how you remember things as a child, then you return as an adult to realize it's just not that cool? That's what happened a couple weekends ago when I made it back to the Oregon Zoo. I brought my nephew and niece and though they had a good time, I was sad and depressed the entire time.
We'll never know what animals think of zoos. Maybe they are ok with their surroundings, but find it hard to think they would rather be caged up than in their natural environment. Now I know some animals are being rehabilitated, so I get it to a point. But damn, those bears looked sad......monkeys too. I guess it's cool for people to see animals they would never see in person without a zoo?!??
I'm glad I took them. They had fun and I love seeing my nephew and niece have a good time. But I really don't have a desire to go back.
I thought the entry fee was decent 10.50 for an adult, and I think I paid 2.00 for parking. We got there at 10:30 on a Saturday morning and was able to find parking and the line for tickets wasn't long. I would suggest going a different route then taking first path through the Pacific. Felt like I was in a parade. Bring snacks and water. -
Review from Kim P.
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
YAY for Oregon Zoo!!!
For as long as my Mom has been living in Oregon, maybe 5 yrs or so, I have told myself that I would visit and FINALLY, we did on this last trip:)
I love going to the zoo, it makes me feel like a kid again and going with my daughter and husband makes it that much more! My little sister and step-dad came with too and they love to take photographs so we were there pretty much til close, about 5 hours....
We made through the whole place and then some, the exhibits were pretty cool, it's always fun to go different places as Pt. Defiance in Tacoma and Woodland Park in Seattle can get monotonous, since I am born and raised in Seattle.
The petting zoo was pretty big and they allowed us to hang around for a while, as hot as it was we were able to get good looks of most of the animals. The zoo itself was pretty clean too. -
Review from Jason B.
Lebanon, OR
11/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great zoo, especially if you go mid-week or on a cool fall day, you will hardly see anyone there! It can be a little hilly, so if you have very small children or elderly folks you might want to consider a stroller for the kids or alternate routes for the adults.
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Review from Kallie C.
Beaverton, OR
Like most, I'm conflicted. I've been to many zoos/aquariums and sometimes it just makes me feel crappy.
I love animals and know they should be in their natural habitat.
However, I know this is the only way people will ever be able to view these awesome animals, and perhaps decide to help them. Some are also rescues, so they're better off in the zoo.
Upon entering, I was pretty upset to see a mountain goat with spasms and urinating quite frequently. Their enclosure isn't too large either. Renal failure?
Overall, the animals seemed well cared for, and their habitats were generally appropriate. Generally. I'm glad the elephants are getting a new habitat, because they need it.
Being an animal lover and having worked with animals in the past, sometimes I feel like I "know" them (yeah, lame - I know) and what they're feeling. For example, the otter constantly doing back flips in the water on his enclosure is doing that because he's f**king bored. He is going nuts, people. He's not trying to be cute. I was going nuts for him.
The owl that was hit by a car and is mostly blind? Goddamn terrified. I stood there for 10 minutes and after about 8, the poor thing finally warmed up to me enough to not creep in the back corner. It's in a small area, inside. Everything echoes in there. The owl lifts its head so it can see the shadows of people/objects and determine where they are. It's great that the owl is a rescue, but imagine being blind, in a small space, able to hear the loud voices of foreign creatures echoing all day long.
The orangutans are my absolute favorites. I fell in love with an orangutan at the SF Zoo, and this enclosure is pretty similar to their layout. If you go up to the glass and make a smooch face in front of the female 'tan, she'll smooch you back. She also glared at my ice cream cone. Someone was sitting on the edge of the window eating chips out of a bag, and she got up to look into the bag and see what was inside. She's also an avid nose picker.
The cougar exhibit is pretty annoying, because you can hear the electric fence clicking. Not a fan.
Also, when I was a kid, we had an awesome field trip and were able to spend the night in the San Francisco Zoo. Yes, overnight. With sleeping bags, near the giraffes, with peacocks crawling on us while we were sleeping. We were told to be quiet, loud noises bother the animals. We were told not to shine our flashlights near the animals.
The Oregon Zoo approach? Let's build a damn train that goes through the Zoo and scares the animals every 10 minutes.
Better yet, let's have concerts throughout the summer to scare the piss out of every living thing in the park. Yeah, cha-ching!
But if I were an animal, and I could pick the zoo I'd be living in, it might as well be this one. The natural Oregon habitat is nice enough. -
Review from Clare H.
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am historically NOT a fan of zoos. This definitely stems from being from the south though. Crowds, heat, humidity, animals hiding because they are too hot, extremely HIGH prices for things like bottled water, horrible ballpark-like food that is overpriced, Popsicle stickiness everywhere, flies, trash on the ground...
The Oregon zoo solved most of these issues! The zoo was extremely clean, the weather was nice and cool and the animals were out to play! It was a little crowded, but not so much so that you couldn't move or you had to wait in long lines. We stopped at the cascade grill on the way in and the prices were very reasonable for what you got, and they had vegetarian options. My burger wasn't wonderful but I munched on my daughters chicken tenders and they were pretty good. The hand cut chips were really good!
We did the train and it was a nice break for sitting down, but there really wasn't much to see other than trees! At the end we passed by some animals but that was it. There was an option to get off at the park and see the rose gardens and Japanese gardens but we opted not to do that, I suppose we will ride the train again if we ever decide to go see those part of Washington park.
The zoo ws the perfect size...some of the ones I've been to are so huge or poorly laid out and this one was just right! We will be back again soon!
Random fun thing: we got to see a polar bear pee for about 2 minutes straight. My 2 year old daughter thought it was hilarious that he was peeing in the water, just like we do! -
Review from Rebecca W.
Hillsboro, OR
7/11/2011
If it were not for the completely horrible parking situation and lack of space for growth I would give the Oregon Zoo 5 stars. I love the Oregon Zoo! Granted, it is not as dynamic as some of the larger zoos I have been to like San Diego and the Animal Kingdom in Orlando, but as far as smaller to middle size zoos go, it is a nice one. They are always looking for ways to improve and update the attractions. They are very earth friendly and utilize so many methods of the three R's (reduce, reuse, recycle).
The special events held throughout the year are great! Zoo lights, summer concerts, Zoolala, summer overnight camping at the zoo are just a few of the fun things you can participate in. My kids loved the zoo kids summer camp. They plan on trying their hand in the Zoo Teens program in the future.
The park is fairly easy to navigate once you been there a couple times, but I often see newcomers getting lost and confused. It's kind of comical. It really isn't a big zoo, but its layout is confusing in some places.
If I could make any changes to the zoo to improve it (other than adding parking) I would have to say it needs something a little more high-tech to keep the older kids entertained. A small ride, a mini-theatre with an educational film...or something along these lines would not only add a little entertainment to the experience, it may also increase attendance year round as well as give guests a place to go when the rain is coming down. Guess I am missing this aspect from the larger zoos. It just makes them more fun for everyone.
Anyway, totally recommend this to all the families out there. Just remember, get there early in the summer if you want a parking place or, if you can access it, take Tri-met (Max)...and your pepper spray if you ride the Max! -
Review from Axel R.
Federal Way, WA
I came here on Friday. It was 70 degrees and the place was packed. I like going to Zoos. The parking lot was full and they will pick you up in a school bus and dropped you back off to the parking location. I haven't being on a School bus in so long; felt like a kid again. Driving to the Zoo. Their is a sign that will tell you if the Zoo's parking lot is full and where to go.
The polar bears were cool...lol pun intended. I like looking at the seals and the birds. Don't need to go into too many details. They're also building a veterinary building also. A really fun place to past the time. Their was hundreds of parent with their children. Good to see a Zoo doing well. Enjoy! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Vancouver, WA
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to this Zoo now twice and I only have gone for the great concerts! The concerts they have are AWESOME! Bring a blanket to sit on and a cooler for food. You will need to buy your beverage of choice there as they dont allow liquids in. I have only had the wine and its $20 a bottle which sucks espcially knowing I can get it at the grocery store for $8.99. If you choose to eat there, the selection is limited. I highly recommend getting there extremly early otherwise you might be standing!
Brandie Carlile was a great Concert!!! -
Review from Caryn W.
6/4/2011
My fiancee and I decided to check out the Oregon Zoo during our trip to Portland. I haven't been to any zoos except the one in Honolulu and the one in San Diego.
Now, for some reason, the zoo was PACKED with people. I guess it's because of the weather and the numerous amount of school groups who all decided to come to the zoo on the same day. There was a line to buy tickets, then there was another line for people to rip the tickets. We stood on the outside of the zoo for a good 30 minutes.
When we finally got inside, the place was swarming with kids! Now don't get me wrong, I have no problem with kids, but with tons of them running around out of control, I felt like I needed to get my teacher mode on.
Okay, focus on the task at hand...reviewing the zoo...
The zoo was far bigger than the one in Honolulu and I thought it was interesting how they put the exhibits together by regions. We saw lots of animals that we wouldn't have been able to see at the zoo here. Fortunately, it seemed that many of the animals were out enjoying the sun, so we didn't have any problem seeing them, but getting to the point where we could see them close was out of the question because of the amount of people pressing themselves against the displays' glass. As some other Yelpers mentioned, the animals did look sad and lethargic as some of the children pounded on the glass. All that went through my head was, "Where are the chaperones?"
Sorry, couldn't get over the amount of people there that day. There's a possibility that I'd visit the zoo again in the future;... -
Review from Joshua B.
4/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Have been here two different times (each time we come to Portland we make sure to visit). Feels very similar to the Seattle zoo - natural habitats laid out in "regions", easy walking path to get around, bunch of different places to stop and eat.
The things I really like about this zoo are the ampitheater where they do educational/lectures about animals periodically and the train that winds through the woods around the zoo (you can even get off and stop at the Washington Park playground if your kids need a break).
Plus it's trivial to get here on light rail from downtown Portland, and the Children's Museum is on the same property. Kid heaven!Listed in: Portland
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Review from Terry C.
Beaverton, OR
7/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here twice in one year. Once when I just started to date my GF and the other to take my uncle who was visiting from Hong Kong. To say the least they don't have any zoo's in Hong Kong, not that I know of at least.
This is a great place to take kids to, or to stroll around the park. However you need to pick your days carefully. The first time I went was a partly sunny day. All the animals were out doing their thing...sleeping. Yeah there were some excitement, I saw a monkey poop, and elephant pee at least a 100 gallons worth, penguin poop and a monkey scratch his ass before pooping. The train in the zoo costs like $6 bucks to ride, but it takes you to the Oregon Rose Test Gardens. It's one of the most beautiful places in Portland. I had no idea the train took you to the Rose Garden.
The time I went with my Uncle, it was hot...not much action going on other than sleeping animals. The only excitement I saw was the elephants eat. Sorry no pooping action this time around.
Things to avoid if your just an adult...the Dinosaur exhibit. That was lame. The only reason I saw it was due to the fact it was part of a ticket package. Get the package for the Zoo and the train, not the Dinosaur.
Try taking the Max up there, you can get a discount on your tickets plus you don't have to fight for parking, especially on busy weekends.
Print your tickets at home. The only problem I saw with this was that you may have to wait at least an hour to get the tickets, it took me 20 mins to get the tickets. -
Review from Jesha M.
Portland, OR
11/6/2011
I'm pretty sure that the lion was fake...
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Review from J C.
Vancouver, WA
12/28/2011
I took my 4 year old niece to the Oregon Zoo this summer and she had an incredible time! The animals are so fun to look at and there was detailed information about each animal set up by each exhibit. I learned a lot of valuable knowledge as we walked from exhibit to exhibit. I was able to take a lot of pictures of her with a variety of different animals as most of them will come right up to the glass. The monkeys were hilarious and love to entertain. All of the cats were very beautiful! The animals at this Zoo are very well taken care of and it shows. I would definitely recommend spending a nice spring/summer day doing this with your family. I have wonderful memories of going to this Zoo when I was a child and I hope she will have wonderful memories as well.
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Review from Duane C.
Beaverton, OR
4/18/2011 13 Check-ins Here
I am always a little torn whenever I take my son to the zoo. It's great to be out and get some fresh air and he loves watching the sea lions and otters, but when we see the monkeys they always look so sad. Why wouldn't they? I'd be sad too if I was kept locked up. I know they feed the animals and don't abuse them. At least i really hope they don't, but being kept captive just isn't a way for any living thing to live.
Will I still take my son to the zoo? Yes, we have a membership, but we may just stick to watching the sea lions and otters.
Zoo concerts are starting up again soon and I am looking forward to going to a few of those. -
Review from Nick D.
Vancouver, WA
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had a great day with my 2 year old son. I haven't been to a zoo in over 15 years. Surprised how much they can pack in a relatively small place.
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Review from deborah d.
Bellevue, WA
10/27/2011
One of the better zoos I have been to in a while!
It has exhibits and educational signage that appeal to all ages.
I was pleased to see that many of the habitats had been transitioned into environments where a couple species were co-located with each other in lovely spaces.
Get there early-ish in the zoo day and you will get to greet the animals when they are fairly active.
Check out your zoo memberships if you will be visiting Portland, your zoo may have a reciprocal agreement that can save you some moolah! -
Review from Brandi K.
Vancouver, WA
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Lots of exhibits were under construction, so we didn't get to see all the animals that are typically on display. On the plus side, I got a healthy dose of sex education from an otter, mandril, and elephant!!
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Review from Dan P.
Being originally from Orlando with the likes of Busch Gardens, Animal Kingdom and a host of other zoos miles from my home I prepared myself for an average day at the Oregon zoo. I basically thought I'd have to witness a child falling into the ape pen to see anything exciting or at the very least a chance to win $10,000 with my smart phone provided by Bob Saget.
For only $2 to park and $10.50 to get in already I liked this zoo, in Orlando I would have spent $47 before walking through the gate. Going on a weekday must have improved our chances, there were no crowds and almost all the animals were eager to visit. Joining me on a day where the sun replaced rain or clouds was my brother and his three year old son. I must admit, he actually added to our day. We got to live vicariously through the eyes of someone who witnessed his first animal mating ritual! Watching one experience something strange or new with so much enthusiasm usually brings me enjoyment, much like the first time I went to a strip club.
Instead of buying food at the vendors I might recommend packing a lunch as we did. We even brought snacks and our own water, to my surprise with full backpack in tow we weren't frisked before entry. I'd also recommend taking a break from the chilly air to relax inside a heated atrium near the chimpanzee cages. Overall the Oregon zoo is worth your money, whether you like animals, a leisurely walk on a lazy day or to witness an animal sex act. It's full of educational experiences for both young and old.Listed in: Tourist Town, Parks and recreation
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Review from Tom M.
Beaverton, OR
9/7/2011
I'm a zoo fan! I visited the zoo five times this summer. Four of the times were to attend summer concerts and the fifth was for our compoany picnic held in the zoo. My family has a zoo membership which makes things even better. I love the concerts but now they are jammed and for the last one, Huey Lewis, we got in line at 3 PM. That's a 2 hour wait until they open up the lawn for seating. We normally attend with at least another couple or two and getting there early ensures us of a decent location and that we have room to spread out our blankets - one per couple. We spread our blankets, open up the food food and snack & drink until concert time. The late comers are funny - they show up at 6:30 and wonder why they can't find a place. They they push up next to you and try to start using your blanket. They look at you as if to say - hey why do you have such a nice uncrowded blanket. My response will be - because we got here 3+ hours before you did. We planned ahead.
Anyway, aside from that we enjoy the concerts and have met some very nice people. As zoo members we get an early shot at the tickets and always buy for several concerts - such a deal. -
Review from Annie E.
12/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
We headed out to the Oregon Zoo for the second year in a row. We decided to try a Sunday afternoon into evening trip. We got to the zoo about 3:45 and had enough time to walk around a bit and then headed to get in line for the train ride!! We were out of there by 6! Keep in mind - we don't have kids ;)
It did however snow which prompted us to get warm drinks on the way out...one cider and one cocoa. A bit disappointed that for $2.50 each we got these items made with hot water and packets.
Over all the experience was great and even though we did wait in line for 20ish minutes, that's too be expected and all a part of the zoo lights experience! -
Review from Catherine D.
Huntington Beach, CA
9/12/2011
Beautiful grounds. Amazing and diverse selection of animals and habitats. Very clean. Zoo train ride through the park is fabulous.
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Review from Erica L.
1/24/2011
The first time you see this zoo (especially if you're an out of state person who has had really crappy zoos) you will be in love. It's gorgeous, has a wide array of animals and things to do, and you fall a bit in love with it.
So you go back. And things look a little less shiny. You notice how the animals mostly just lay there. The food is far too expensive. The walk around the entire place is long.
And you give it one more shot, because you really love animals, and really wish you had a decent zoo near you growing up. But the magic is gone. The animals look sad. Everything is so expensive. The walk is long and slow with the hordes of children shoving in front of you. You notice there's not really been any new animals and the ones you did enjoy are probably not in their habitats for maintenance or some other reason.
I recommend everyone go once, get really great pictures, and don't ruin the memories and magic with repeated visits. It's not a bad zoo, they do care for the animals and have a wide array of them, but it's not so large and doesn't do enough updates to really warrant a visit any less than every five years or so. -
Review from Daniel K.
Portland, OR
9/12/2011
I love this Zoo! I'm working on my second year as a member and I love this Zoo! The dinosaurs every summer are super fun. And the train ride is super fun for the kids!
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Review from Allyson M.
Irvine, CA
10/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Oregon Zoo gets 5 stars because it EXCEEDED my expectations. I grew up living in the home of the "world famous" San Diego Zoo, which I still feel is the best out of all the zoos I've been to.
However, the Oregon Zoo is the best small zoo I've been to. There may not be as many animals, but I was happy that I could still view the animals, even if they weren't front and center. There are plenty of other side views or little "underground" windows.
The volunteers were really helpful in describing the animals. I had a feeling that this zoo is more education oriented as opposed to profit oriented. I saw a lot of moms with their kids as well as whole families. It's a great place for the whole family.
We spent a whopping 5 hours there! I couldn't believe it. I mean, I love animals, but was expecting it to be a dumpy zoo. It was 44 degrees out there, and I survived! That deserves another star in itself, although I do enjoy the cold weather! -
Review from Dale H.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
This zoo is beautiful. I went with my family yesterday and even though it was raining, we had a great time. Most of the animals were in view, if not out in their yards, or whatever they're called.
I really enjoyed the polar bears. I'm a huge fan of bears, but these two were great. One just stayed in the water playing with his/her ball and the other was stuck in some "Monk"-like mode walking back and forth. Very entertaining.
There was no crowd at all to speak of, due mostly in part to the rain. But even if there was a crowd, I wouldn't mind. The zoo is big with enough room to fit many, many folks. There are some areas that would be a little crowded, but get your timing right and you won't run into that issue. We just carried a few umbrellas and opened and closed them as needed.
As with any zoo, prices are a little steep for snacks and drinks. And for souvenirs. But that was expected. They were nice enough to let us have free refills on our diet soda. To me, that's great service.
The zoo is well kept and clean. All of the cages/pens/yards were kept clean and clear. Trash was basically unseen. And the zoo is very pro-endangered species. By that I mean that they try to educate the people on endangered animals and try to teach you on how you can do your part to help all animals. I was impressed.
I'll be back many, many times. I've only been to a couple zoo's in my lifetime, but I rank this on right up there with the San Diego zoo and by far much better than the zoo in Sacramento. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Hillsboro, OR
1/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this place. Went there for the first time during last fall and it didn't feel like i was walking in a zoo. I felt like I was walking in a lush forest instead. Max will take me directly to zoo and safe me the money on parking and entrance fee (save your max ticket to get the discounted ticket).
I went here again for a zoolight event and it was so much fun! it was cold and freezing outside but those lights were amazing. -
Review from Faye m.
1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great zoo to spend some spare hours at. We were there about a week before Christmas and it was freezing!! We didn't take advantage of the train ride for the Christmas lights, but there were a lot of families coming in while we were leaving.
The kids really enjoyed all the exhibits & it was a special treat for us since it started to snow while we were there ~ being from Hawaii, we really got excited about that!
I don't know if it was just us, but navigating through the zoo was a bit confusing - or maybe since we let the kids hold the maps and lead us? I found myself liking the indoor exhibits more, but of course I was freezing - so it's probably that reason more.
I would really love to go back during late spring or summer, just to enjoy it at a more comfortable temperature and pace! -
Review from Rachel H.
Portland, OR
6/20/2011
Visited the zoo for the first time today. My friend has a membership so I joined her as her free guest. I was disappointed the ticket takers "busted" her and made her pay for her daughter (age 3) to get in -- I guess kids 2 and under get in free? I just think it was kind of lame to treat a member that way. She also told me that she can't send her husband in with the membership card; they id for every entry and require the member whose name appears to be present. That seems a little cheap to me.
-
Review from Melisa V.
12/17/2010
this review is strictly for Zoolights!!
I've been to the zoo on several different occasions (once on a $2 Tuesday just to see Sam the baby elephant) so I know this is a pretty good zoo and they are continuing to make some great improvements to it.
Being my fourth winter in Portland, I decided this would be the year I would head out to Zoolights. Of course we decided to head out on Wednesday, the coldest, rainiest night of the week but figured the crowd wouldn't be as bad. Decided to head to the train first. We only had to wait about 10 minutes to embark on our adventure around the zoo. Needless to say, I've seen better light displays just driving around neighborhoods. There were portions of the ride where I felt like I was in a pitch-dark tunnel of a roller coaster. The animal cages were covered (understandable as it was cold, rainy and dark) but I thought at the very least there would be a few festive lights around these curves. The light display in general was just really unimpressive and disappointing. I can't imagine what my husband really thought as this was his first time visiting the zoo.
The saving grace for me was visiting toddler Sam the elephant his mom in their indoor area. We probably stayed in there for a good half hour just watching them.
I really am disappointed that I can give this more than two stars, but for the amount you spend just to visit and ride the train it's really not worth it. A better option would probably be to come later in the day (around 3:00) to visit the animals then see the minimal lights when they go on at dark. Don't even bother with the train unless it's cold and raining! -
Review from Lorna D.
7/11/2011
The Oregon Zoo was designed in such an awesome way. It feels like you are walking through a forest with animal surprises along the way. The habitat is mostly green and the signs are very educational. Most of the animals seem happy to be here albeit some animals did look as depresssing as those at the SF Zoo. There are plenty of young high-school aged volunteers who appear to enjoy their summer job. And the zoo employees are chipper and knowledgeablt. The polar bears were very entertaining as well as the chimps. The birds sanctuary was a bit unnerving because they seriously will follow you out the doors so you have to be very careful. For a $12.00 admission, this zoo is a great deal. It is very well kept and mostly clean. The zoo is easily accessible by public tranportation. The only downside is that some of the bathrooms feel a bit too humid and I felt uncomfortable in them.
