It's not too late to check out Oregon Zoo's Jungle Journey and Predators of the Sky programs, allowing clients to interact with animals in a more intimate fashion than usual. The popular summer presentations run through Labor Day.
During Jungle Journey programs, clients get a chance to see and touch animals like a prehensile-tailed porcupine in an informal setting, while talking to their handlers and taking pictures.
Predators of the Sky, a free-flight bird show, features eagles, owls, hawks and vultures.
These on-grounds programs, which are free with zoo admission, are a great way to see and feel animals up close and on a more personal level, said Oregon Zoo director Kim Smith. When a bald eagle flies a few feet overhead, or pygmy goats relax while you brush their coats, you really feel a connection to these animals.
Since the June 19 start of the zoo's summer season, the shows have drawn huge crowds, which may account for the increase in overall zoo attendance -- more than 40,000 visitors over last year, zoo officials said.
Shows takes place daily (except on concert days) on the concert lawn at 12:30 p.m. through Labor Day.
General admission to the zoo is $10.50 per adult, $7.50 for children (ages 3-11) and free for kids 2 and younger. (www.oregonzoo.org)
