Oregon zoo announces new 'Home-School Safari'

Home-schoolers can stop by the zoo's Kalahari Room (adjacent to the concert lawn), where a number of hands-on discovery stations give children and their families the chance to learn more about wildlife of the Pacific Northwest.

Stations will feature live animals such as snakes and birds of prey native to the region. Safari-goers also can examine bones, fur and feathers while learning about animal adaptations, habitats and more.

Each station offers activities and questions geared toward children from a range of different age groups, with staff members on hand to facilitate the learning process.

After visiting the discovery stations, safari-goers receive an activity flier and go on a self-guided exploration of the zoo's Great Northwest exhibit, a journey that takes them from the crest of the Cascades to the Pacific Coast. The Great Northwest features a variety of animals, including mountain goats, black bears, bobcats, beaver, river otter, cougars, bald eagles, wolves, elk, sea otters, sea lions and even rockfish.

"Education is our No. 1 priority at the Oregon Zoo," said Vecchio. "By introducing students to seldom-seen animals, we can help spread the word about the importance of environmental stewardship and conservation."

Admission is $7 per person and includes a $2 food coupon that can be used anywhere inside the zoo. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and space is limited. To order, visit http://oregonzoo-cascadeoutfitters.stores.yahoo.net/hosa.html.

The 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, Washington pygmy rabbits, 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 No. 63 to the Oregon Zoo. Visitors who take the bus or MAX receive $1 off zoo admission. Call TriMet Customer Service, 503-238 RIDE (7433), or visit www.trimet.org for fare and route information.

General admission is $9.75 (12-64), seniors $8.25 (65+), children $6.75 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free; 25 cents of the admission price helps fund regional conservation projects through the zoo's Future for Wildlife program. A parking fee of $1 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.