With ‘Wildlife Live,’ Oregon Zoo visitors get up and close and personal with animals

Published 9:48 pm Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Zuberi, a southern ground hornbill, is going to be introduced to Oregon Zoo visitors during "Wildlife Live," presented by Portland General Electric (Courtesy Photo: Michael Durham)

Want to see some of Oregon Zoo‘s animals up close, and get to know them better?

“Wildlife Live” has started, and it gives you a different perspective on the magnificent zoo residents.

Presented by Portland General Electric, it started June 10 (and goes through Sept. 1) and features lighthearted humor, a conservation theme and gracefully soaring raptors gliding right over visitors’ heads. This year’s show highlights “secrets of survival,” focusing on the adaptations and skills animals need to survive.

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At 11 a.m. and noon daily, guests can marvel at Oshi the toucan, Zuberi the southern ground hornbill and Deschutes the golden eagle — all while learning about conservation issues and actions we can take to help wildlife. Visitors can also get to know some of the zoo’s other charismatic ambassadors — like Nettle, who keepers say is a strong contender for North America’s cutest porcupine.

“We want to raise awareness about the importance of our everyday choices and their effects on wildlife,” said Kate Gilmore, who oversees the zoo’s ambassador animal programs. “By introducing these animals and showing their incredible natural abilities, we hope to bring people together for wildlife to create a better future for all.”

At 1 p.m. daily, a special animal encounter gives guests a chance to sit up-close and learn more about some of the “Wildlife Live” stars.