Darci K.
Yelp
I absolutely love going to the zoo.
Most of us grew up, going to our local zoos, and being able to see so many exotic animals, enjoying what we thought was close to a natural habitat for them.
After going to the Oregon zoo, I will definitely not return.
Tickets must be purchased online, for a specific day and a specific timeframe. It doesn't make a lot of sense, and it comes across as if they're trying to control foot traffic or something, but in actuality, it just doesn't make sense like I said. Having said that, we had purchased our tickets for times specific , and when we arrived, it was unclear as to where we needed to go with our printed ticket. They actually have a window where you can purchase tickets but they don't allow it.
We finally figured out that we would just go to the gate and we showed her ticket to the gentleman standing there and we were on our way. They use QR codes if you need a map of the zoo.
There are various signs throughout the zoo, but not detailed enough to know whether or not if you go one way, if it's a dead end or if you'll make your way back to other exhibits.
The grounds themselves are very well-maintained, the animals on the other hand are not. I truly wish that I had done some research before buying tickets and visiting this location. Normally, I would've done the research for any other experience, I just did not think I needed to do it for a zoo. I'm here to tell you, don't spend your money to go to the Oregon zoo.
Many of the animals were not out, which I can appreciate due to certain weather temperatures. However, for the animals that were out, they are all incredibly unhappy. Yes, it's not obvious. From the scraps of food that are there for them to eat, to how scarcely thin many of them are.
We viewed elephants that were so incredibly depressed that one who did not have access to water, was digging at the ground, out of boredom, or perhaps, looking for a water source. The elephant was gated in and away from its pool, which it should've had access to based on the weather, and quite frankly, why would they keep an animal away from what should be a natural part of their habitat.
The poor giraffe was chewing at a dried out stick, because there was nothing else for her to eat. Animals that are held in captivity should be able to graze and eat at their own will. Yes, I understand that food is provided at certain times, but most zoos still leave food out and water. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
These animals are given very little space to live in, and the space that's provided is so confined, that it's unhealthy for them.
Do your research before you spend your money going to this zoo. You'll find out just like I did (unfortunately afterwards), that the zoo spends money on animals being poached from their natural habitat, and not obtaining them because they've had health issues, etc. and would not survive in their natural habitat, and this is their sanctuary. This is far from a sanctuary.
They just are not treated well.