Animals Live: An Open Letter To The Oregon Zoo

My new Posted Today page tells me that it was on May 30, 2018, that I sharply criticized the Oregon Zoo for only publicly caring about animals dying when they are marquee animals. Its first line: “Animals die.”

Animals also live, which is why my current point of contention with the zoo is its seeming focus only on certain animals in the public communications during its coronavirus shutdown.

Most zoo visitors likely have a favorite animal or exhibit. I get there are only so many hours in the day, especially with staff reductions and other challenges, but I honestly do not see a valid argument against simply having someone make the rounds to give us updates.

There are six exhibit areas (PDF) at the zoo. At one per day, the zoo could give an update from every exhibit in less than one week. Just walk the route. It doesn’t have to be an entire Facebook Live event; you have a YouTube channel.

Consider this a request from a dues-paying member who until March made a visit each and every week, on behalf of all the other supporters of the zoo, members and non-members alike, who have been waiting three months to hear about their favorites.