“Oregon Zoo Phase 2” Bond Measure 26-244
Voters in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties passed an Oregon Zoo bond measure.
In May 2024, voters approved a $380 million general obligation bond to fund upgrades at the Oregon Zoo. Measure 26-244 is funding projects with the following objectives:
- Protect animal health and well-being by updating aging animal areas with more natural, modern habitats, including penguins, sea otters and giraffes.
- Improve facilities to enhance educational opportunities for children and other visitors to learn about animals and habitat conservation.
- Conserve water and energy in operations and update infrastructure.
- Improve facilities supporting the zoo’s conservation work protecting and restoring threatened and endangered species in the Northwest and beyond.
- Increase accessibility for guests of all abilities, including improved paths and exhibits.
- Improve protection from heat and extreme weather for animals and zoo guests.
- Improve facilities to prepare for animal care in a natural disaster or emergency.
The first improvements will be in the zoo entry area and the plaza between Polar Passage and Elephant Lands. Work in these spaces will provide much-needed shelter from the elements, improve accessibility for guests, and update aging infrastructure. This project is currently in the design phase with construction expected to start in January 2026.
The second project, Coastal Shores, will create new habitats for Humboldt penguins, harbor seals and sea otters, while improving infrastructure, water and energy efficiency, accessibility and interpretive displays.
Voters last approved a zoo bond measure in 2008. Work funded by that measure was completed in 2021, upgrading roughly 40% of the zoo with projects that included Elephant Lands, Primate Forest, Polar Passage, Condors of the Columbia, a veterinary medical center and an education center.
Measure 26-244 will cover a second phase of projects in parts of the campus not improved through the 2008 bond measure. These include some of the zoo’s oldest animal areas, educational exhibits, visitor facilities and infrastructure.