Oregonians have a true gem in the Oregon Zoo. Two weekends ago, my husband and I took our boys for a full day of spying the 2,000+ animals on display. During the long car ride home our 6 year-old talked non-stop about the cougars. We heard how far they jump; how fast they run; how tall they stand; what they eat; where they sleep; and a detailed description of what makes them so uniquely beautiful. It was 60 minutes of cougar crush confessions. (Side note: I savored every single moment and plan to look back fondly on this car trip one day - when he turns 15 and refuses to talk to me at all.)
Overall, I gave the trip two thumbs up. It was a bit cold and a bit wet, but a true bright spot of family fun. Here are just some of the highlights:
Overall, I gave the trip two thumbs up. It was a bit cold and a bit wet, but a true bright spot of family fun. Here are just some of the highlights:
Active Animals-
A truck load of snow was brought in just as we arrived on Sunday morning. Layering snow and fish and snow and fish right next to the viewing window for the black bear exhibit, zoo employees provided us with an up-close and personal view of the action.
Zoo Train-
Who doesn’t like a train ride through the trees and the chance to peek at the elephant yard from another view? Even better: it’s truly Oregon style with a biodiesel engine.
Who doesn’t like a train ride through the trees and the chance to peek at the elephant yard from another view? Even better: it’s truly Oregon style with a biodiesel engine.
Predators of the Serengeti-
This new, impressive exhibit was perfect for my 9 year-old, as he just completed a school report on these amazing animals. I’ve never before seen such a great cheetah enclosure. Other new learning: hyenas area BIG!
Interactive Displays-
The Oregon Zoo does a great job of presenting informational displays that catch your eye (rather than the standard printed poster that makes your eyes glaze over). This poster amplified the animal sound when you placed the pine cone over each picture. The elementary teacher in me says, "Bravo!"
The Oregon Zoo does a great job of presenting informational displays that catch your eye (rather than the standard printed poster that makes your eyes glaze over). This poster amplified the animal sound when you placed the pine cone over each picture. The elementary teacher in me says, "Bravo!"
Elephants-
We visited the elephant house twice: once to see the baby inside, once to see the baby outside. I never tire of how skillfully these animals use their trunks to gather hay. My youngest never tires of the elephant poop jokes. Oh my!
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