"Home to nearly 3,000 animals—including 19 endangered species—the 64-acre Oregon Zoo is so thoroughly landscaped with native plants that it blends seamlessly into the lush Washington Park landscape surrounding it. Put on your walking shoes before you head through the front gates, because you’re going to cover some serious ground as you weave through the 23 engaging exhibits, divided into five major themed areas: the Great Northwest, Pacific Shores, Discovery Zone, Africa, and the spectacular six-acre Elephant Lands. The sleek, slippery, and ever-playful North American river otters are riveting, the Penguinarium offers some of the best bird-watching ever; the Insect Zoo will entertain bug buffs for hours, and you mustn’t miss Zawadi, Kya, and Neka, the trio of lions that rule the Predators of the Serengeti roost." - Jen Stevenson