Oregon Zoo

About

The Oregon Zoo sits nestled in Portland's beloved Washington Park, offering visitors a chance to connect with wildlife from around the globe. Spanning 64 acres of carefully designed habitats, the zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing over 230 species, many of them endangered or threatened.

You'll find yourself wandering through diverse ecosystems here. The Elephant Lands exhibit is a standout, one of the world's most advanced habitats for Asian elephants. Predators of the Serengeti brings you face to face with lions, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. The Primate Forest houses chimpanzees and orangutans in spacious, enriched environments. And the Pacific Shores area showcases sea otters, sea lions, and other marine life native to the Oregon coast.

Families especially love the zoo's interactive experiences. The Wildlife Live! shows offer up-close encounters with animal ambassadors, while the Nature Play area gives kids room to climb, splash, and explore. The zoo train winds through Washington Park and is a hit with visitors of all ages. There's also a conservation carousel featuring hand-carved wooden animals.

Beyond entertainment, the Oregon Zoo is deeply committed to conservation. It plays a key role in breeding programs for California condors, western pond turtles, and other species on the brink. When you visit, you're directly supporting these efforts.

Practical details: the zoo is open year-round, with seasonal hours. Portland's mild climate means even winter visits can be comfortable, though bringing layers is smart. The MAX Light Rail Blue Line stops right at the Washington Park station, making car-free access easy. On-site parking is available but can fill up on busy weekends. Multiple dining options and a well-stocked gift shop round out the experience.

Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or introducing young ones to wildlife for the first time, the Oregon Zoo delivers a memorable day out in one of the country's most livable cities.

Accessibility

The Oregon Zoo is largely ADA accessible, with most pathways, exhibits, restaurants, restrooms, and drinking fountains designed for wheelchair and mobility device access. The zoo covers hilly terrain within Washington Park, so some paths have slopes and inclines. Visitors using manual wheelchairs may want to plan routes carefully or consider renting a powered option.

Wheelchair and electric scooter rentals are available at the gift shop near the entrance. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the zoo grounds. The zoo train and conservation carousel have accessibility accommodations, though visitors should check with staff about specific boarding assistance.

Service animals are welcome at the Oregon Zoo. For visitors who need a one-to-one support person, the zoo has policies regarding companion admission, so it's worth checking their website or calling ahead for current details.

The MAX Light Rail provides step-free access to the Washington Park station, which connects to the zoo via an elevator. This makes public transit a strong option for visitors with mobility needs.

For questions, accommodation requests, or specific accessibility concerns, contact the zoo directly at [email protected]. Staff can help with planning your visit and arranging any needed support. Contact the venue for current details on sensory accommodations, quiet spaces, and any recent accessibility improvements.

More accessible places in Oregon

• Lan Su Chinese Garden (Portland)
• Portland Japanese Garden (Portland)
• Pittock Mansion (Portland)
• Oregon Historical Society Museum (Portland)
• OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science & Industry) (Portland)
• Powell's City of Books (Portland)