Oregon Zoo

About

The Oregon Zoo occupies 64 acres in Portland's Washington Park, making it one of the Pacific Northwest's premier zoological institutions. Home to nearly 2,000 animals representing more than 200 species, the zoo is particularly known for its commitment to endangered species conservation—running programs for Oregon's own threatened wildlife including the Oregon silverspot butterfly, western pond turtle, and Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. The zoo's exhibits are organized around major habitat regions: the Africa exhibit features savanna, rainforest, and watering hole areas; Polar Passage showcases polar bears and sea otters; the Pacific Shores area focuses on sea lions, California condors, and marine life native to the West Coast; and the Great Northwest exhibit celebrates the wildlife of Oregon and the surrounding region. Education is central to the Oregon Zoo's mission. The zoo offers school field trips, overnight programs, summer camps, and a range of family programs. ESD-registered homeschool groups from Oregon and Washington qualify for group field trip rates. The zoo is also served by the Washington Park MAX light rail stop, making it one of the most transit-accessible zoos in the country. The Oregon Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is operated by Metro, the regional government of the Portland area.

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