Summer’s in the air this week at the Oregon Zoo, as Wildlife Live presented by Portland General Electric returns for the season. The popular free-flying bird show features lighthearted humor, a conservation theme and gracefully soaring raptors that glide right over visitors’ heads. In “Take Flight,” 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. daily, visitors will watch birds fly through the air while learning about local and global conservation issues and actions they can take on behalf of wildlife. Sonora the Harris hawk snags treats straight out of the air, Oshi the toucan shows off his large and colorful bill and Zuberi the southern ground hornbill makes his Wildlife Live debut. And at 1 p.m. daily, “Jungle Journey” offers a more intimate show, giving guests the chance to sit up close and admire a variety of stunning tropical animals. Keepers will teach visitors of all ages how to protect jungle habitats worldwide. Aimed at inspiring viewers to create a better future for wildlife, the program also provides ways for audience members to participate in wildlife conservation. “We hope to raise awareness about the importance of our everyday choices,” said Tanya Paul, who oversees the zoo’s ambassador-animal programs. “Working together, we have the ability to positively impact wildlife at home and around the world.” Wildlife Live presented by Portland General Electric runs daily through Sept. 2, except on concert days. All shows are weather dependent. Portland General Electric (PGE), the No. 1 provider of renewable power in the country, has been a supporter of the zoo’s Wildlife Live shows since 1986. PGE is committed to helping its customers and the communities it serves build a clean energy future, as well as protecting Oregon’s wildlife and their habitat. This includes implementation of a special Avian Protection Plan that helps make our facilities safer for birds. To learn more, visit portlandgeneral.com/birds. … Committed to conservation, Oregon Zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot and Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Oregon spotted frogs. Other projects include studies on Asian elephants, polar bears, orangutans and giant pandas. Celebrating 125 years of community support, the zoo relies in part on donations through the Oregon Zoo Foundation to undertake these and many other animal welfare, education and sustainability programs.
