The Oregon Zoo sits in Portland’s Washington Park, just two miles southwest of downtown, and holds the distinction of being the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River, tracing its roots back to 1888. Owned and operated by the regional government Metro since 1976, the zoo has grown from a small menagerie into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most visited attractions, drawing more than a million guests annually.
Spread across 64 acres, the zoo is home to over 1,800 animals representing more than 230 species, including nearly two dozen endangered and threatened species. It gained international fame in 1962 with the birth of Packy, the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years, launching what became the world’s most prolific zoo elephant breeding program. Today the zoo also plays an active role in conservation efforts such as the California condor recovery program.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Washington Park, Portland, Oregon
- Opened: 1888
- Size: 64 acres
- Species: Over 230 species, 1,800+ animals
- Annual Visitors: About 1.5-1.7 million
- Hours: Vary by season; roughly 9-10 a.m. to 4-6 p.m. daily, with last entry one hour before close
- Famous For: Packy the elephant and the zoo’s elephant breeding program
The Zoo Experience
Visitors can explore themed habitats including the Africa Savanna, Great Northwest, Primate Forest, and Elephant Lands, one of the largest elephant habitats in North America. The zoo is easily reached via Portland’s MAX light rail, which has stopped at the zoo since 1998, and a narrow-gauge railway connects the grounds to other areas of Washington Park.
The Oregon Zoo is open daily year-round, though hours shift with the seasons. During the summer stretch from late May through early September it typically opens at 9 a.m. and stays open until 6 p.m., with last entry an hour before closing; in the cooler months the zoo generally opens later, around 10 a.m., and closes earlier, often by 4 p.m. Visitors are advised to check the zoo’s official hours-and-tickets page before arriving, since specific opening and closing times can change with the calendar.
A Legacy of Elephants
The zoo’s elephant program put it on the map after Packy’s birth in 1962 made national headlines. Over the following decades, the zoo’s breeding program produced 28 calves, an achievement unmatched by any other North American zoo and central to the institution’s identity to this day.
Explore more: Explore more top zoos and aquariums.
Oregon Zoo FAQs
When did the Oregon Zoo open?
The Oregon Zoo traces its origins to 1888, making it the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. It has operated under several names, including Portland Zoo and Washington Park Zoo, before becoming the Oregon Zoo in 1998.
What are the Oregon Zoo’s hours?
Hours vary by season. In summer (late May through early September) the zoo is typically open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m. During the rest of the year it generally opens around 10 a.m. and closes earlier, often by 4 p.m. Check the zoo’s official website for the exact schedule on your visit date.
Who owns the Oregon Zoo?
The Oregon Zoo has been owned and operated by Metro, the regional government of the Portland metropolitan area, since 1976.
Get More from Oregon Zoo
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Oregon Zoo, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: DJ Cane / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.