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Oregon Zoo
Located near downtown Portland in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from 165 species and subspecies.
Know Before You Go
Zoo capacity is timed and limited. Online advance-purchase tickets are required — they can be purchased on the Oregon Zoo’s website.
The oldest zoo west of the Mississippi is just minutes from downtown Portland via the MAX Light Rail in Washington Park. The Oregon Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from 165 species — you’ll also find an awesome education center, a collection of exotic plants, a historic railway and more. Over 40 percent of the zoo has been renovated in the last few years, including room for rhinos, primo real estate for primates, and a new elephant expanse.
Explore the Oregon Zoo
How long does it take to see everything at the Oregon Zoo?
How much does it cost to park at the zoo?
How much does it cost to visit the zoo?
- $24 for people 12 and older
- $19 for children 2-11 years old
- Infants under 1 year old may visit for free
Details are subject to change; please check the Oregon Zoo’s website for current information.
Are advance tickets required?
What options are available for people with accessibility needs?
Are there places to eat at the zoo?
While at the zoo, order online for express pickup from Aviary Cafe.
Visit the Oregon Zoo’s website for more information.
Has it always been called the Oregon Zoo?
Elephants (and Condors!) on Parade
In 2015, the Elephant Lands exhibit quadrupled in size, creating a world-class home with new features that include shade structures, hilly berms and corridors, and a 12-foot-deep (3.7 m) pond with remote-controlled water jets for playtime. The exhibit’s interactive digital displays allow visitors to identify individual elephants and even log behavior observations to share with zoo staff.
Another major attraction is the Condors of the Columbia exhibit, which houses critically endangered California condors. Though once native to Oregon and known as “thunderbirds” that populated the Columbia River during Lewis and Clark’s journey, these pterodactyl-sized scavengers haven’t been seen wild in the region in more than 100 years. The Oregon Zoo hopes to change that; they provide a naturalistic environment for birds in their condor recovery program that cannot be released in the wild. Two covered viewing areas (including an elevated watching post) give visitors the opportunity for a rare face-to-beak encounter with these gregarious giants.
The Polar Passage gives visitors an exciting new look into polar bear behavoir and supports scientific research.
New Polar Bear Exhibit
In 2021, The Oregon Zoo’s polar bears moved into a new space with deep saltwater pools, panoramic views and a “smell port.” The Polar Passage gives visitors an exciting new look into polar bear behavior and supports scientific research.
The Lay of the Land
Stroll the zoo’s parklike grounds — 64 acres (25.9 ha) in total — as you explore numerous exhibits grouped into geographical areas:
- Great Northwest — Mountain goats, black bears, snowy owls, bald eagles, turtles, river otters, beavers, waterfowl, cougars, California condors, goats
- Pacific Shores — Polar bears, sea otters, penguins, harbor seals
- Discovery Zone — Tigers, insect zoo, red panda, wildlife garden, zoo train
- Primate Forest — Chimpanzees, gibbons, orangutans
- Elephant Lands — Asian elephants
- Africa — Lions, lemurs, painted dogs, cheetahs, aviary, black rhino, bontebok, tortoises, monkeys, naked mole rats, giraffes, porcupines, crocodiles, flamingos, otters, fruit bats
Events and Attractions at the Zoo
The zoo offers special events for every season, from the animal encounters and lawn games of Hop into Spring to Howloween’s trick-or-treating, but none shines as brightly as ZooLights, the annual holiday light display that runs from late November through early January. This popular event transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland with more than a million LED lights adorning trees and animated sculptures.
The Zoo Nights summer concert series brings local acts to its outdoor stage from June through August. Visit the animals before staking a spot on the shady lawn and digging into locally sourced food, beer and wine sold on-site. Every show opens with a chance to get to know some of the animals active during twilight hours.
The narrow-gauge Washington Park and Zoo Railway offers a nostalgic, kid-friendly way to explore the zoo. In addition to carrying passengers, steam-powered trains also transport U.S. mail, making this the last railroad to continuously offer mail service. Just drop your letters or postcards on the locomotives or mailboxes on the zoo grounds to get them hand-canceled with the Washington Park and Zoo Railway stamp.
Explore Events at the Oregon Zoo
From Howloween to Zoo Nights and Zoo Lights, the Oregon Zoo has fun for you.
Zoo Nights
Enjoy the magic of Portland summer nights with live music, food and festivities at the Oregon Zoo while relaxing among the lush gardens and wildlife at Zoo Nights.
Halloween Events and Haunted Places in Portland
From corn mazes to dance performances, half-marathons to haunted houses, Portland provides the perfect Halloween plans for any scare-seeking witch or warlock.
Easter Events in Portland
Spring is the harbinger of Easter festivities in Portland. Check out kid-friendly Easter egg hunts, annual picnics and candy-centric events.
Discounts and Special Offers
The zoo offers discounted admission for income-assistance programs, veterans and active-service military members, large groups and more. Check the zoo’s discounts page for current offers.
Getting to the Oregon Zoo
The Oregon Zoo is served by the MAX Light Rail Blue and Red lines; the Washington Park MAX station is also close to the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum, the Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial, and the 4T and Wildwood trailheads.
TriMet Bus Line 63 also runs from the central city (with a stop near Providence Park and another near Pioneer Courthouse Square) to Washington Park, where there’s a stop near the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden.
Washington Park offers a free shuttle for transportation within the park, with stops at all the park’s major attractions and the Washington Park MAX station. The shuttle operates daily, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
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