The zoo is making significant changes to exhibits, walkways, educational facilities and the zoo loop train route. You've helped at every step of the way. Here's how to stay engaged and share what's important to you.
Tell us what you think
Let’s face it, the zoo is here for you. While the zoo’s experts will make sure that new animal exhibits provide excellent habitat for polar bears, elephants, primates and condors, the zoo also needs to provide a good habitat for people. Visitors know what visitors like, many families participate in zoo classes and camps, and the citizens of the region and generous donors are making all of these improvements possible.
Zoo staff are eager to know what you think of new plans for the future zoo and what your preferences are. You will continue to find the latest information on these web pages as designs and plans near completion so you can see progress at every step of the way to a better zoo. If you would like additional information or want to share your perspective, send email to zoobond@oregonzoo.org.
How you've helped shape the new zoo
Over the past year of planning and design, Oregon Zoo staff checked in with you to learn your preferences and priorities. You provided invaluable feedback that shaped everything from rhino habitat to food service and parking. Here’s how:
240 people drop by for open houses
More than 240 people attended public open houses in August 2011 where they learned about progress on the zoo's 20-year master plan and perused designs for new and improved animal habitats that will be constructed with bond funds. Participants chatted with animal keepers and viewed the dazzling array of images and designs that filled the Cascade Crest banquet center. A 14-by-22-foot version of the master plan map, printed on vinyl, covered the center of the banquet room, providing folks the opportunity to literally walk across the future zoo. The zoo also shared information on initial concepts for improving park entry and the parking lot and how the zoo will obtain a new land use permit from the City of Portland. After viewing displays and listening to presentations, many of you also filled out comment forms, sharing your perspectives with staff and consultants.
4,480 people share their views through Opt In
In May 2011, the Oregon Zoo invited zoo members, concert goers, visitors and Portland metropolitan area residents to help shape the future Oregon Zoo. There were a whopping 4,480 responses! Using Opt In, Metro's new online survey panel, participants answered lots of questions that ranged from the time of year and time of day they visit the zoo and what kind of food they'd enjoy, to how they would like to view animals and what they want to learn when visiting. DHM research conducted the survey. The views and preferences shared by participants provided vitally important information for master plan design consultants and zoo managers as they complete plans for new exhibits and the zoo's 20-year master plan. Thanks to you, they're making a better zoo! Read the survey summary.
225 people take a sneak peak
In March and April 2011, residents of the region got a sneak preview of the zoo improvements that are funded by the zoo bond. Visitors strolled through a veritable gallery of draft designs of new habitats for elephants and polar bears and design concepts for primates, condors, the conservation education center and ideas for ways the zoo might conserve water and energy. Participants were asked to weigh in on whether the zoo should focus on improving the hippo exhibit by adding a water filtration system or focus instead on expanding habitat for rhinos. Over 225 people attended and over 125 filled out comment forms providing a wealth of information to guide the next phases of design as well as general zoo management. The majority of participants recommended that the zoo expand rhino habitat.
Zoo Opt In survey summary, June 2011