Oregon Zoo Offers Grizzly 'behind The Scenes' Encounter

For Immediate Release OREGON ZOO NEWS
March 8, 2006

Contacts: Bill LaMarche 503-220-2448 (office) or 503-497-5812 (pager)
Linda D'Ae-Smith 503-220-5716 (office) or 503-441-7573 (pager)

OREGON ZOO OFFERS GRIZZLY 'BEHIND THE SCENES' ENCOUNTER
Get up close with one of North America's largest predators

PORTLAND, Ore. - If you've ever thought about meeting up with a grizzly
bear, voluntarily or not, now is your chance. A 9-foot tall grizzly
named Bug is the featured animal in the Oregon Zoo's next Behind the
Scenes Family Encounter, Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Behind the Scenes Family Encounters give children 8-13 (accompanied by
an adult) an insider's glimpse into the lives of the zoo's most
interesting inhabitants. Participants explore areas not normally
accessible to the public, and learn about the animals through personal
interactions.

"Our tours offer up-close experiences with animals from around the
world," says Tony Vecchio, zoo director. "Having the chance to encounter
a 600-pound grizzly within just a few feet is something you'll never
forget."

Participants in the Grizzly Family Encounter will learn how the zoo's
environmental enrichment efforts help one of the largest predators in
North America stay physically and mentally active. "Hide-and-seek" is
the key. Guests get to help hide treats around the exhibit, and then
watch as the grizzly hunts for his morning snacks.

"Enrichment treats and activities are designed to keep animals moving
and thinking-and they're a blast to watch," says Charis Henrie,
education program coordinator.

Behind the Scenes Family Encounters are enriching for zoo guests as
well, creating an appreciation for animals through one-of-a-kind
experiences.

Member prices for family encounters are $50 for two people and $25 for
each additional person. Nonmember prices are $60 for two people and $30
for each additional person. To sign up for the Grizzly Family Encounter,
or for more information, visit www.oregonzoo.org or call 503-220-2781.

The Oregon Zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to
inspire the community to create a better future for wildlife. Committed
to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered
California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles
and Kincaid's lupine. Other projects include studies on black rhinos,
Asian elephants, polar bears and bats.

The zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located five minutes from downtown
Portland, just off Highway 26. The zoo is also accessible by MAX light
rail line. Zoo visitors are encouraged to ride MAX or take TriMet bus
#63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive 50 cents
off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238-RIDE (7433), or
visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.50 (12-64), seniors $8 (65+), children $6.50
(3-11), and infants two and under are free. A parking fee of $1 per car
is also required. Additional information is available at
www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.

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Oregon Zoo " 4001 SW Canyon Rd. " Portland, Oregon 97221 " 503-226-1561
" www.oregonzoo.org