Report on the Oregon Zoo: Operations, Conservation Efforts, and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

This report provides an overview of the Oregon Zoo, located in Washington Park near downtown Portland. It details the zoo’s facilities, conservation programs, and visitor information, with a significant emphasis on its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commitment to SDG 15: Life on Land

The Oregon Zoo’s core mission aligns directly with SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals representing 165 species and subspecies, many of which are part of critical conservation programs.

Key Conservation and Habitat Initiatives

• California Condor Recovery: The “Condors of the Columbia” exhibit is a central component of the zoo’s efforts to recover the critically endangered California condor population. This program provides a naturalistic environment for birds that cannot be released into the wild, supporting the long-term goal of re-establishing the species in its native Oregon habitat.
• Elephant Lands Exhibit: This world-class habitat for Asian elephants was significantly expanded to provide a complex environment with varied terrain, shade structures, and a 12-foot-deep pond. The design promotes natural behaviors and supports the physical and psychological well-being of this endangered species.
• Predators of the Serengeti: This exhibit showcases African predators like wild dogs, contributing to public understanding of savanna ecosystems and the challenges they face.
• Geographical Exhibit Zones: The zoo’s 64-acre grounds are organized into distinct geographical areas to educate visitors about global ecosystems. These zones include:
  • Great Northwest
  • Pacific Shores
  • Discovery Zone
  • Primate Forest
  • Elephant Lands
  • Africa

Advancement of SDG 13: Climate Action

The zoo actively contributes to climate action and education, particularly through exhibits that highlight species vulnerable to climate change.

Polar Passage Exhibit

The Polar Passage exhibit, opened in 2021, provides a state-of-the-art habitat for polar bears. Its features are designed not only for animal welfare but also to advance scientific understanding of the species.

• The exhibit offers deep saltwater pools and varied terrain, simulating an arctic environment.
• It serves as a platform for scientific research into polar bear biology and behavior.
• By showcasing a species directly threatened by the loss of sea ice, the exhibit serves as a powerful educational tool to raise public awareness about the urgent need for climate action.

Support for SDG 4: Quality Education

The Oregon Zoo functions as a significant educational institution, providing inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all visitors.

Educational Programs and Features

• Interactive Displays: The Elephant Lands exhibit features interactive digital displays that allow visitors to identify individual animals and log behavioral observations, engaging the public in citizen science.
• Education Center: The zoo maintains a dedicated education center to facilitate learning about wildlife, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
• Seasonal Events: Events such as “Zoo Nights” include opportunities for visitors to learn about animals that are active during twilight hours, integrating education with community engagement.

Contributions to SDG 10 & SDG 11: Sustainable and Inclusive Communities

The Oregon Zoo demonstrates a commitment to reducing inequality (SDG 10) and making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable (SDG 11).

Accessibility and Sustainable Transportation

• Public Transit Access: The zoo is directly accessible via the MAX Light Rail (Blue and Red lines) and TriMet Bus Line 63, promoting the use of sustainable public transportation and reducing reliance on private vehicles.
• Inclusivity Measures (SDG 10): The facility is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities. Key features include:
  • Full ADA accessibility across most pathways, exhibits, and buildings.
  • Rental of wheelchairs and electric scooters.
  • Wheelchair accommodation on the zoo train and carousel.
  • Provision of complimentary sensory kits.
  • Discounted admission for individuals in income-assistance programs, veterans, and military members to ensure broader community access.
• Community Engagement: The zoo hosts numerous community events throughout the year, including ZooLights, Howloween, and the Zoo Nights summer concert series, fostering a sense of community and cultural vitality.

Visitor and Operational Information

Effective management and clear communication are essential for the zoo’s mission. The following provides key operational details for visitors.

Admission and Ticketing

1. Advance online ticket purchase is required for all visitors to manage capacity.
2. Standard admission prices are $24 for adults (12+) and $19 for children (2-11).
3. Infants under one year of age are admitted free of charge.

On-Site Services

• Dining: Multiple dining options are available, including the Aviary Cafe and Cascade Cafe. The zoo offers locally sourced food and beverages, aligning with principles of sustainable consumption (SDG 12).
• Washington Park and Zoo Railway: A historic narrow-gauge railway offers transportation within the zoo grounds and serves as a unique attraction.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • The article’s primary focus is the Oregon Zoo, an institution dedicated to the conservation and exhibition of terrestrial and other animals. It directly connects to SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and halt biodiversity loss. The article highlights the zoo’s efforts in housing and protecting various species, particularly its “condor recovery program” for the “critically endangered California condors,” which is a direct action to protect threatened species and prevent extinction. The mention of over “2,000 animals from 165 species” further emphasizes the zoo’s role in biodiversity conservation.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article connects to SDG 11 by describing the zoo as an accessible cultural and green public space within an urban environment. It emphasizes the use of sustainable transport systems, stating that the zoo is “served by the MAX Light Rail Blue and Red lines” and “TriMet Bus Line 63.” It also mentions a “free shuttle for transportation within the park,” encouraging alternatives to private cars. The zoo itself, located within the 64-acre Washington Park, serves as an important “green and public space” for the community.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The article addresses SDG 10 by detailing the zoo’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. It explicitly states that “The zoo is accessible to people of all abilities” and lists features like rentable wheelchairs and electric scooters, ADA-accessible pathways, complimentary sensory kits, and free tickets for support persons. Furthermore, it mentions that “The zoo offers discounted admission for income-assistance programs,” directly addressing economic inclusion and reducing financial barriers for visitors.

4. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • While the primary focus is on land animals, the article also touches upon SDG 14 through its description of the “Pacific Shores” exhibit. This section of the zoo houses marine and coastal animals such as “polar bears, sea otters, penguins, [and] harbor seals.” By providing a habitat for these species and supporting research (as mentioned with the Polar Passage exhibit), the zoo contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity, which is a key aspect of SDG 14.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

   • This target is directly supported by the article’s description of the “Condors of the Columbia exhibit,” which houses “critically endangered California condors.” The mention of a “condor recovery program” is a clear example of an action taken to protect and prevent the extinction of a threatened species. The zoo’s general mission of caring for “more than 2,000 animals from 165 species” also aligns with the goal of halting biodiversity loss.

2. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

   • The article explicitly promotes sustainable transport options for visiting the zoo. In the “Getting to the Oregon Zoo” section, it details how to reach the park via “the MAX Light Rail,” “TriMet Bus Line 63,” and a “free shuttle for transportation within the park.” This encouragement of public transportation over private vehicles directly relates to providing accessible and sustainable transport systems.

3. Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.

   • The zoo, described as “64 acres (25.9 ha)” within the larger Washington Park, is presented as a major public and green space. The article’s detailed section on accessibility, which confirms that “The majority of the zoo’s 64 acres… are ADA accessible,” directly addresses the goal of providing universal and inclusive access to such spaces.

4. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

   • This target is reflected in the zoo’s policies on accessibility and discounts. The article states, “The zoo is accessible to people of all abilities” and provides a list of accommodations for those with mobility or sensory needs. The mention of “discounted admission for income-assistance programs” is a specific measure to promote economic inclusion, ensuring more people can access the zoo regardless of their economic status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators for Target 15.5

   • Existence of conservation programs for threatened species: The article explicitly mentions the “condor recovery program” for critically endangered California condors, which serves as a direct indicator of conservation action.
   • Number of species protected: The article states the zoo is “home to more than 2,000 animals from 165 species and subspecies,” which can be used as a quantitative measure of the zoo’s contribution to preserving biodiversity.

2. Indicators for Target 11.2

   • Availability of public transportation options: The article implies this indicator by listing the specific public transit services available to reach the zoo: “the MAX Light Rail Blue and Red lines,” “TriMet Bus Line 63,” and a “free shuttle.” The existence of these multiple options indicates progress toward accessible transport.

3. Indicators for Target 10.2

   • Implementation of accessibility features: The article lists several specific features that serve as indicators of inclusion for people with disabilities: “Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent,” “ADA accessible” pathways and facilities, and “complimentary sensory kits.”
   • Availability of policies for economic inclusion: The mention of “discounted admission for income-assistance programs” is a direct indicator of a policy aimed at reducing economic inequality in access to cultural institutions.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelportland.com