The Oregon Zoo connects communities to the wonder of wildlife to create a better future for all. It is a hub for science, conservation, education and animal well‑being, delivering the highest quality of care to 165 species and subspecies. Community supported since 1888, it is part of Metro, greater Portland’s regional government, inspiring and welcoming guests and community members of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. An amazing experience for the whole family: the zoo is exceptionally well‑organized and fully wheelchair accessible, making a smooth visit for everyone. Kids loved the play areas and seeing the elephants. Booking tickets online in advance skips the lines. Great cafes and educational tours are available. Visitors saw an orangutan turn twenty, beavers and otters swimming, rhinos running, an elephant feeding time with a baby elephant, and little goats jumping on and off logs. Zoolights was fun with very beautiful lights, probably the most festive place in Portland for the holidays. At night it is very chilly, so bundle up.
Saw Bob the orangutan turn twenty and open presents with his family. Saw beavers and otters swimming around. Saw rhinos running around playing. Saw elephant feeding time and a baby elephant. Saw little goats jumping on and off logs. It was pretty great!
January 2026
Zoolights was fun! Very beautiful lights, probably the most festive place in Portland for the holidays.
Very chilly at night since you are staying outdoor for a couple of hours, so bundle up. They sell hot coco inside — a very good hand warmer, very disgusting sweet brown water, lol
January 2026
No one at the cocoa stands could answer if the cocoa was GF. That was sad. Wished you could hear the train conductor speak.
