Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is known for its landscape and many outdoor recreational opportunities, including scenic bikeways, lush forests, and beautiful lakes.
This is the perfect place for people who love going outdoors. The state’s nickname is The Beaver State, and statehood began in 1859.
It has everything a person asks for, from the stunning mountain ranges, evergreen forests, and some breathtaking beaches, which is where most proposals happen, and we haven’t yet talked about its charming towns. Oregon living is home to every person, whether you are a beach person or a mountain person; Oregon is a unique state that offers a lot to its residents.
The biggest city in the state is Portland, and the capital is Salem. The state has also developed one of the finest wine-making regions in the U.S. in the Willamette Valley.
2.1 Famous Zoo and Aquarium to Visit in Oregon
2.1.1 The Oregon Zoo
Founded in 1888, Oregon Zoo is one of the biggest in the state. It covers 64 acres of land. The Oregon Zoo, formerly known as the Portland Zoo and later became the Washington Park Zoo, is located in Washington Park, in Portland.
Situated in the scenic Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo is home to various animals worldwide, like Asian elephants, tigers, and other primates.
The zoo has over 1800 animals with over 230 species, making it a gem amongst the numerous zoos and safari parks in Oregon State. It is also the state’s highest and largest paid and most popular visitor attraction.
It also has one petting zoo where visitors interact with domestic animals like goats and sheep. One of the highlights is the African Savanna exhibits, which recreate the natural habitat of African animals like giraffes, zebras, deer, lions, etc.
Don’t miss out on the biggest highlights of the zoo: Ella, the African-painted dog, Asian Elephants, Summer Concerts, Carousel, and zoo lights.
- Location: 4001 Southwest Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221, USA.
2.1.2 Sea Lion Caves
America’s largest sea cave is a well-linked system of sea caves that opens in a chamber to the Pacific Ocean in Oregon. Situated 18 km north of Florence is the Sea lion caves.
The midpoint of the cave is located on the Oregon Coast. It has three different entry points for the visitors. Captain William Cox, a local seaman, discovered it in 1880.
Private caves are available as well with tickets. Steller Sea lion is the main attraction in the sea. The sea cave is a natural wonder that emerged due to the erosion of a basalt cliff.
Today, the cave acoustic allows the sea lions to bark and bellow sounds to ring louder and clearer. The cave is accessed through the elevator, but visitors can watch sea lions from the observation desk all year.
- Location: 91560 US-101, Florence, OR 97439, USA
2.1.3 Oregon Coast Aquarium
If you want an experience like no other, you must check out the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is known as the home of Keiko. Opened in 1992, this aquarium covers about 23 acres of space.
For its collection, the aquarium mainly focuses on the coastal region of Oregon, which comprises sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions.
It also features native wildlife and has the largest Seabird Aviary in North America. But do not miss out on the highlight animals like the Keiko, the giant Pacific Ocean octopus, Oswald, Koya, and many more.
Furthermore, you may learn about these sea creatures behind the tours and programs. The aquarium headwaters include recirculating streams. Isn’t it crazy!!!
- Location: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365, USA.
2.1.4 Cascades Raptor Centre
The Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene, Oregon, is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing injured and orphaned birds of prey.
The center is famous for its wide collection of native raptor species. Opened in 1987, this is a nature center and a wildlife bird hospital.
The center features several aviaries where visitors can see the birds up close and care for the Cascades Raptor Centre, which features 50 birds of 30 different species.
Around 300 birds were treated in this center in 2014. The center also provides educational programs for small and large groups with no age barriers. Their owl species grabs the visitors’ attention from the other birds.
All in all, Cascades Raptor Centre is the perfect place for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and school field trips to visit.
- Location: 32275 Fox Hollow Rd, Eugene, OR 97405, USA.
2.1.5 Seaside Aquarium
Privately owned aquarium situated in Seaside, Oregon. Founded in 1937, this is one of the oldest aquariums on the west coast of Oregon.
Seaside Aquarium is home to 100 different species of marine animals, including moray eels, octopuses, 20 armed sea stars, and many more.
The aquarium established its first program to breed harbor seals in captivity. Furthermore, the seaside aquarium features a touch tank where the visitors can touch and learn about local sea creatures like starfish and sea urchins.
Moreover, the seaside aquarium is an excellent place for visitors from all spectrums to discover new facts about marine life as it exists in the Pacific Northwest.
- Location: 200 N Prom, Seaside, OR 97138, USA.
Oregon is one of the most expensive states and offers nine zoos and aquariums, each with its specialty and uniqueness. Well, the prices of tickets may be high, but the visit is worth it, you will have a great time there. I can bet on that.
Bonus points are that many zoos offer educational programs without any age barriers, so you’ll know more about animals in the Cascades Raptor Center regardless of your age, and the bird viewer gets more senior citizen membership.
End Note
Well, as much as we shall appreciate these five wildlife escapes and their animals, some who need more appreciation are the animal handlers and the cleaning staff.
It is often noticed that people leave some wrappers behind in zoos or throw stones at animals. This behavior is entirely inappropriate towards the animals, and they might get brutally hurt; this is also a punishable offense that might lead to jail.
3. Question/Answers
Q) When was the first zoo opened?
A) The first modern zoo, built in 1793, opened in Paris, France.
Q) Why did they name a zoo?
A) zoological garden refers to zoology, the study of animals. The term is derived from the Greek ζώον, zoon, ‘animal,’ and the suffix -λογία, -logia, ‘study of.’
Q) What is the best time to visit zoos?
A) Visiting Zoos on weekends can be stressful as during weekends zoos are fun, and you can’t even enjoy properly in big crowds so if you want to visit the zoo, go during weekdays afternoon as it is less crowded then.
Q) Can we touch the Aquarium glass?
A) Yes, you can touch the Aquarium glass, but you are not allowed to punch or harm it as it may turn out wrong for the staff and visitors.
Q) When is the best time of year to visit Oregon?
A) If you plan to visit zoos and aquariums, the summer months of June to August are ideal because the weather is warm and dry.
Q) As a tourist, what is the best method of transportation in Oregon?
A) Car rental is a great option to explore different cities in the state. However, if you are staying in a bigger city like Bend, Eugene, or Portland and plan to stay in that specific city, public transportation is a great option
Q)Which Oregon cities have the best variety of zoos and aquariums?
A) Out of all the cities of Oregon, Portland, Newport, Salem, Eugene, and Bend have the best variety of zoos and aquariums.
Q) What is Oregon’s nickname?
A) The nickname given to Oregon is Beaver State.
Q) What is the climate in Oregon?
A) Weather varies from season to season, with Oregon generally having cool, wet winters and warm, dry summer climates.
Q) What food is Oregon famous for?
A) When it comes to food, Oregon is known for blueberries, huckleberries, marionberries, Dungeness crab, and hazelnuts (Oregon produces 99% of the nation’s hazelnut crops).
Q) What makes Oregon unique?
A) Oregon is a state of contrasts, with snow-dusted mountains, dramatic river canyons, lush valleys, rugged coast, arid plains, and fertile fields.
Q) What’s the best thing about Oregon?
Oregon is best known for access to incredible scenery, ample recreational opportunities, great breweries, and an easier way of life.
