The Oregon Zoo in Portland
August 19, 2009
The Oregon zoo is located in Washington Park, west of downtown Portland, and easily found from Hwy 26. It is open every day of the year except Christmas (December 25). Admission is $10.50 for adults (ages 12-64), $9.00 for seniors, $7.50 for children (3-11), and kids 2 and younger are free.
I have been to the Oregon zoo about three times in the last six years, and I have to say I think Portland is lucky to have such a nice zoo. New exhibits seem to be continually under construction, and great care has been taken over the last few decades to improve animal habitats. I especially like how the zoo has included indoor and outdoor viewing areas, so if an animal is feeding or washing, you won’t miss seeing it.
Traditional zoo animals such as zebras, giraffes, and monkeys are housed at the Oregon zoo, but the Pacific Northwest also has its own exhibit, with bald eagles, a black bear, an elk, and even wolves. Some other fun exhibits are: two walk-through bird habitats, a barnyard petting zoo, and (separate) tanks of sea lions, otters, penguins, a polar bear, two hippos (which will come right up to the glass), and a crocodile. The zoo is also currently home to a baby elephant, although he is at least six months old now, so it is a little difficult to discern him from the adult elephants.
If you go to the Oregon zoo, expect to visit for at least three hours to see everything. Allot another 35 minutes if you want to take the train ride, which goes all around Washington Park. However, this ride does cost an additional $5 per person. Finding a parking spot is difficult in the summer, especially on the weekend, so I suggest getting to the zoo early, or taking public transportation. The MAX train stops right at the front gates of the zoo. I have never been to the zoo in the winter, but for visiting in the summer, my biggest tip is to pick a cooler day because the animals seem more active.
