PORTLAND, OR -- Mysteries of the elusive flying reindeer will be revealed when Oregon Zoo Director (and flying-reindeer expert) Tony Vecchio shares his many reindeer theories with children at the zoo's Elk Meadow, Wednesday, Dec. 24, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. The "Mystery of Flying Reindeer" discussion is free with zoo admission.

Vecchio has studied flying reindeer for more than a decade and hopes to gather new data this month during the elusive creatures' annual journey. He is asking children around the world to report their sightings by visiting www.oregonzoo.org/Animals/flying_reindeer and clicking to the Flying Reindeer Report Center.

"The science of reindeer flight continues to evolve as new data pours in every Dec. 24, during their once-a-year migration," said Vecchio. "I'm asking anyone who sees flying reindeer to e-mail me with details, such as where they saw the reindeer, what time it was and how high they were in the sky."

All reported sightings will be documented on a map located on the zoo's Web site. Visitors can watch a video of Vecchio discussing his theories while feeding the flying reindeer's cousin, the Roosevelt elk, at www.oregonzoo.org/VideoArchive/FlyingReindeer.htm.

Vecchio began studying reindeer flight when he was asked to theorize the concept for Robert Sullivan's 1996 book "Flight of the Reindeer." Sullivan, a senior editor at Life magazine, consulted with respected scientists, zoologists and Arctic explorers for his book, which aims to document and explain the mysterious phenomenon.

Throughout the month, the zoo hosts a variety of holiday-themed activities, including ZooLights (through Dec. 28), Presents for Primates (Dec. 18), winter break ZooVenture day camps for kids 4 years of age through fourth grade (Dec. 22-24 and 29-31), and a New Year's Eve sleepover for kids ages 6 through 13 with an adult (Dec. 31).

ZooLights visitors can also attend the new FROGS! exhibit and take in live performances of the frog-inspired children's book and CD "One Night in Frogtown," by award-winning composer and director Philip Pelletier. Performances take place Dec. 19-21 at 7 p.m. in Classroom 3 (near the FROGS! exhibit) and are free with zoo admission. For more information, visit www.frogtowncentral.com.

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