Grand Opening at the Zoo Medical Center
Veterinary Medical Center Grand Opening January 19, 2012
The Oregon Zoo’s New Veterinary Medical Center Opens January 19, 2012!
The $125 million Oregon Zoo bond was approved by voters in 2008, and this is the first major project to be completed with funding from the community-supported bond. The Medical Center has been the number one priority among all of the improvements funded under the Oregon Zoo bond, meeting a critical need for zoo animals and veterinary staff.
It provides comforting, climate controlled spaces that support animals’ health and healing. Zoo veterinarians appreciate working with new efficient equipment and technology in bright and flexible spaces. The new center is a certified green building sporting dozens of water and energy saving features.
The new facility accommodates each animal’s special needs in comforting, custom-designed spaces where temperature, light and humidity can be adapted for each patient. The new building includes heated and rubberized floors and adjustable air and water temperatures. Perches, ropes and elevated beds accommodate the movements and sleeping needs of birds and primates. Vets can open rolling skylights to provide animals with fresh outside air and views of the sky.
In addition to providing a healing area for animals, the new Veterinary Medical Center is an excellent example of the earth-friendly features integrated into every new zoo exhibit and facility. The building meets US Green Building Council LEED Silver certification standards for sustainability.
It’s time to cut the ribbon and open the new Veterinary Medical Center! Free with zoo admission, come take a tour of this beautiful animal care facility that is also a model of sustainability. Join in celebrating this significant step toward achieving the future vision of our zoo.
Opening Ceremony and Tours are Thursday, Jan 19, 2012 from 10:30am to 11:30am.
Public Tours are all weekend Friday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan 22, 2012 from 10am to 4pm.
The zoo is located in Washington Park, five minutes from downtown on Highway 26 West, or about 10 minutes via MAX light rail (Blue or Red line, Washington Park stop). 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland
Open every day of the year except Dec. 25.
Winter hours: January 1 through February 28: Zoo gates are open from 10 am to 4 pm. Grounds open until 5 pm.
Spring hours: March 1 through May 27: Zoo gates are open from 9 am to 4 pm. Grounds open until 5 pm.
Summer hours: May 28 through September 5: Zoo gates are open from 9 am to 6 pm. Grounds open until 7 pm.
Fall hours: September 6 through December 31: Zoo gates are open from 9 am to 4 pm. Grounds open until 5 pm.
Current prices are Adults $10.50, seniors (65+) $9, youth (3-11) $7.50, children 2 and younger free. Parking: $2/car. Ride the Max and get $1.50 off tickets purchased at the gate.
Avoid the lines with print-at-home ticketing and bypass the line at the ticket gate and have your ticket scanned. You can purchase print-at-home e-tickets for adults, seniors, and youth. You can also print free tickets for children 2 and under.
Website: www.oregonzoo.org
(503)226-1561
Laura Canida 971.678.3972