Founded in 1888 by local Portland pharmacist, Richard Knight, Oregon Zoo is considered the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi. Over the years, the zoo has been known by a number of names, including Portland Zoo, Portland Zoological Gardens, Washington Park Zoo and, as of 1998, Oregon Zoo. 
Today, the Oregon Zoo is located on a 64 acre terrain on the southern boundary of Portland’s Washington Park, and attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year.  The zoo is home to 1,800 animals, representing 232 species or subspecies of birds, reptiles, mammals, fish, amphibians and invertebrates. In addition, many native plants of the Pacific Northwest’s rainforests have been cultivated to provide an authentic feel along pathways. The Oregon Zoo’s botanical gardens host 1,000 species of exotic plants.
A visit to the Oregon Zoo takes you across five major exhibit areas, namely Great Northwest, Fragile Forests, Asia, Pacific Shores and Africa. Within these areas, you will find over 20 specialized exhibits. Highlights of the zoo include the monkey habitat within the Africa Rainforest exhibit; the 4 acre Africa Savanna which is home to rhinos, giraffes and hippos; the Predators of the Serengeti exhibit, home to lions, cheetahs and African rock pythons; the popular Asian elephants display, which became famous in 1962 with the birth of Packy, the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years. You’ll also find bears, wildlife from the Pacific Northwest, a Penguinarium, and the Red Ape Reserve.
Oregon Zoo is located in very close proximity to the Portland Children’s Museum, the World Forestry Center, Oregon Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and the Hoyt Abroretum – all of which are located in Washington Park.