PORTLAND, OR -- The Oregon Zoo has been awarded a $104,973 Museums for America grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, supporting the design, production and evaluation of interpretive displays for its new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit. The multifaceted exhibit, set to open in summer 2009, will highlight the critical role predators play in nature.
"We are extremely grateful for the generous contribution by IMLS," said Tony Vecchio, Oregon Zoo director. "We hope to bring attention to the plight of predators. Just as wolves and bears have been pushed aside in North America, African predators are in decline because of human encroachment and persecution. We hope people will recognize the critical role of carnivores - and how we can live with them - a great lesson even now as we see wolves returning to our state."
The zoo plans to employ a variety of interpretive strategies -- from hands-on activities to video presentations -- to help educate and inspire visitors about African predators. The IMLS-supported interpretive project will also include surveys to determine what the public learns from visiting the exhibit.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
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's pygmy rabbits, Oregon silverspot butterflies, Oregon spotted frogs and western pond turtles. 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. 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 $2 per car is also required. Additional information is available at www.oregonzoo.org or by calling 503-226-1561.
Oregon Zoo " 4001 SW Canyon Rd. " Portland, Oregon 97221 " 503-226-1561
