If you are in the frame of mind for something unique and are in Portland then a visit to the Oregon zoo is the place to visit. Previously famous as the Washington Park Zoo, the Oregon zoo is situated in Portland's Washington Park. The zoo draws over one million people in a year making it a top attraction in Oregon.

Official website of the Oregon Zoo

http://www.oregonzoo.org

The Oregon Zoo is among the oldest zoos present in North America and it Opened in 1887. Seven years after the first animal show at the zoo, it saw over three hundred animals on display. The zoo at last grew to the position where it required a bigger site and in 1925, it shifted to a new site that is its current location, the Portland Japanese Garden.

History of Oregon Zoo

http://www.guidedtourportland.com/zoo.html

Near the beginning, when the zoo opened, they had dug a bear pit in it, which is believed to be the first bar-less, bear environment display in the world. This tradition of the zoo continues today as well with the Oregon Zoo stressing on natural habitats for most of its animal residents. Thus Oregon zoo is different from most of its counterparts which are characterized by cages. One instance of the Oregon Zoo's stress on natural surroundings is its aviary show, which permits visitors to walk throughout the open-air aviary.

The Hours of the zoo are; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 15 September 15 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during September 16 and May 14. Also, the zoo is never closed except on December 25th.

Useful info on Oregon Zoo

http://www.galttech.com/research/travel/portland-oregon-zoo.php

The Portland Oregon Zoo is a major attraction that draws thousands of visitors every year. It is one of the largest tourist attractions in the city of Portland. It is filled with fun and exciting things to do for visitors of all ages. You can take your entire family to the place and rest assured that everyone will be having a great time.

The main attractions of the Zoo are the amazing displays that have been modeled to be just like the natural habitats of the respective animals. These are huge areas that have been modeled to resemble the areas in which the animals are the most comfortable.

There are several Portland (Ore) hotels nearby if you want to stay close to the zoo.

1. General information

http://www.oregonzoo.org/Animals/main.htm

http://www.oregonzoo.org/AboutZoo/justthefacts.htm

The Portland Oregon zoo is open on every day except December 25.

The timings are:

- April 15 to Sept 15
- 9am - 6pm (grounds open till 7pm)
- Sept 16 to April 14
- 9am-4pm (grounds open till 5pm)

2. Locations and directions

Official address: 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland, Oregon, 97221

Directions: Five minutes west from the Highway 26 on downtown Portland. There are signs that will direct you there.

3. Main attractions

http://www.oregonzoo.org/Exhibits/main.htm

- The Red Ape Reserve - Primates in their natural habitat.
- The AfriCafe - Relax at the in-house cafe after a long day
- Howard Vollum Aviary - An amazing display of birds as they fly about.
- Africa Rainforest and Savanna - Visit the cradle of human civilization.
- Fragile Forests: Amazon flooded forest and South American forest - endangered areas.
- Asian Elephants
- Bears
- Cats of the Amur region: Big cats from Russia
- The Great Northwest exhibit
- Insect Zoo - Insects like you have never seen them before.
- Lorikeet landing - Some of the most beautiful birds in the world
- Penguins - See them up close
- Primates - See how they behave in their natural habitat.

4. Rates and hours details

http://www.oregonzoo.org/VisitorInfo/ratesandhours.htm

Concerts at this zoo are some of the most interesting events during the summer. You can spend the entire day at the zoo taking a walk and then dance the night away at one of the concerts.

These concerts are normally held at an outdoor setting and you can enjoy the exciting feeling together with the breezing air.

Tickets to one of these enticing zoo concerts, are available online. All you need to do is to look for an authorized dealer and purchase one.

http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/schedule.htm

Reasons why the concert held are popular

- Outstanding performances by world-class musicians

- Beautiful venue

- Reasonable prices

- Delicious food options

- The animal

http://www.oregonzoo.org/Concerts/index.htm

The Oregon Zoo is actually a zoo with a difference. The experienced artists will make you have the most entertaining moments ever. Hotel Portland guides can give you information about the hotels near so that you can enjoy the best of what the zoo has to offer.

Take your whole family there and you will live to remember this place. The tickets are accessible and here is one of the links where you can get a ticket:

http://www.kink.fm/Oregon-Zoo-Concert-Series/4141632

http://portlandor.about.com/od/artsentertainment/a/Zoo_concerts07.htm