Oregon Zoos and Aquariums: Complete Guide to Wildlife Attractions

Discover Oregon's diverse collection of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers featuring everything from African elephants and Asian tigers to Pacific Ocean marine life. Explore 4 AZA-accredited facilities, drive-through safaris, coastal aquariums, and wildlife rehabilitation centers across the state.

4

AZA-Accredited Facilities

12+

Zoos & Aquariums

1,800+

Animals at Oregon Zoo

550+

Animals at Wildlife Safari

Table of Contents

AZA-Accredited Facilities in Oregon

Oregon is home to 4 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the gold standard for animal care, conservation, and education. These institutions meet rigorous standards for animal welfare, veterinary care, safety, staffing, and conservation efforts.

Oregon Zoo 50 Years AZA

Location: Portland

Accredited Through: September 2026

Founded in 1888, the Oregon Zoo is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. In November 2024, it became one of only two U.S. zoos celebrating 50 years of continuous AZA accreditation.

Wildlife Safari AZA

Location: Winston

Accredited Through: September 2026

One of only three AZA-accredited animal attractions in Oregon and one of the only privately owned zoological establishments in the AZA. Also certified by the Zoological Association of America.

Oregon Coast Aquarium 25 Years

Location: Newport

Accredited Through: March 2027

Recognized as a 2025 Quarter Century Award recipient for achieving 25 years of continuous accreditation. Consistently ranked among the top 10 aquariums in the United States.

High Desert Museum AZA

Location: Bend

Accredited Through: September 2030

Welcomed as a newly accredited member following September 2025 hearings. Also accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and a Smithsonian Affiliate institution.

Major Zoos in Oregon

Oregon Zoo (Portland) Top Rated

Address: 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Washington Park, Portland, OR 97221
Website: www.oregonzoo.org
Phone: (503) 226-1561

Hours

  • Nov. 2 - Dec. 1: Daily 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (last entry 2:30 PM) - Closed Nov. 27
  • Dec. 2 - 18: Friday - Monday 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (last entry 2:30 PM)
  • Dec. 19 - Jan. 4: Daily 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (last entry 2:30 PM) - Closed Dec. 25
  • ZooLights Hours: 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM (last entry 7:30 PM)

Admission

Purchase tickets in advance online. Reservations available 30 days before visit.

  • AZA Reciprocal Discount: $13 for up to four named adults/children with membership at participating AZA facilities
  • Group Discounts: $19 per ticket for 20+ tickets (all ages); non-profits pay $16 per ticket
  • Military/Veterans: $3 off regular admission with military or veteran organization ID
  • Income Assistance: Discounted admission for Oregon and Washington residents qualifying for assistance programs
  • Membership: Starting at $65 for named adults, $45 for kids, $85 for unnamed guests

Parking & Transportation

  • Parking: $2/hour or $8/day (rates may differ during special events)
  • MAX Light Rail: Served by Blue and Red lines

Highlights

  • Oldest Zoo West of Mississippi: Founded in 1888
  • Animal Collection: More than 1,800 animals representing 230+ species, including 19 endangered and 9 threatened species
  • Size: 64 forested acres in Washington Park
  • Elephant Breeding Program: World's most successful zoo elephant breeding program with 29 calves born since 1962, including Packy, the first elephant born in the Western Hemisphere in 44 years
  • Chendra: The only Bornean elephant in North America (only approximately 1,000 left in the world)
  • Conservation: Active partnership with Seratu Aatai in Sabah, Malaysia to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect Bornean elephants
  • Popular Exhibits: Polar bears, African savanna, elephant habitat with 160,000-gallon pool, feeding stations, and mud wallows
Plan Your Visit: The zoo is compact enough to see in one day with young children yet large enough to offer engaging repeat visits. Most animal enclosures allow close viewing. Plan 2-4 hours minimum.

Aquariums & Marine Centers

Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport) Top 10 U.S. Aquarium

Address: 2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR 97365
Website: aquarium.org
Phone: (541) 867-3474

Hours

  • Labor Day - Memorial Day: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
  • Memorial Day - Labor Day: Daily 10 AM - 6 PM
  • Closed: December 25th

Admission

  • Adults (18-64): $24.95
  • Seniors (65+): $19.95
  • Young Adults (13-17): $19.95
  • Children (3-12): $14.95
  • Infants/Toddlers (0-2): Free

Features

  • Animal Collection: 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species
  • Marine Life: Sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, fish species, sea stars, sea anemones, sea urchins, giant Pacific octopus
  • Special Experiences: Octopus Encounter, Sea Jelly Touch Encounter, Behind the Scenes Tours, Virtual Reality Experience (ages 8+, requires paid admission and advance registration)
  • Size: 23-acre facility
Recommended Visit: Allow minimum 2 hours for your visit. Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the United States.

Seaside Aquarium (Seaside) Historic

Address: 200 North Prom, Seaside, OR 97138
Website: seasideaquarium.com

About

  • Founded: 1937 - oldest privately owned aquarium on the West Coast
  • Historic Building: Built in the 1920s as the Seaside Baths Natatorium, an indoor saltwater swimming pool
  • Family Owned: Remained in the same family since opening
  • Exhibits: 35 glass tanks featuring wolf eels, rockfish, crustaceans, cod, giant Pacific octopus, and dozens of Oregon species
  • Harbor Seals: One of the first aquariums to successfully breed harbor seals in captivity (1980s); current seal family is third and fourth-generation offspring
  • Location: Right on the beach at the end of Second Avenue and North Promenade, two blocks north of Seaside Turnaround

Charleston Marine Life Center (Charleston)

Location: Edge of the harbor in Charleston
Affiliation: University of Oregon Oregon Institute of Marine Biology public outreach center

Features

  • Aquaria showcasing coastal habitats and animals
  • Colorful sea slugs, fascinating octopuses, and more
  • Marine biology research and teaching field station

Drive-Through Wildlife Parks

Wildlife Safari (Winston) AZA Accredited

Address: 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496
Website: wildlifesafari.net

Seasonal Hours

  • March - September: 9 AM - 6 PM (last vehicle admitted 6 PM)
  • October: 9 AM - 5 PM (last vehicle admitted 5 PM)
  • November - March: 9 AM - 4 PM (last vehicle admitted 4 PM)
  • Open: 363 days per year

Admission

  • Day Pass: Starting at $13.50 (check website for current pricing)
  • Annual Membership: $120/year for unlimited drive-through admission
  • Giraffe Encounter: $15 per person
  • Cheetah Encounter: $30 per person (10 person maximum)
  • Animal Paintings: $55 per painting

Special Discounts

  • Mother's Day: Mothers get in free
  • Father's Day: Fathers get in free
  • Military/Veterans: Free admission, 10% discount for rest of group
  • First Responders: Free admission, 10% discount for rest of group

About

  • Size: 615-acre drive-through safari park
  • Animal Collection: 550+ animals representing 75+ species
  • Drive Duration: 4.5 miles taking 90 minutes to 2 hours
  • Annual Visitors: Approximately 160,000
  • Founded: October 1972 by Frank Hart
  • Non-Profit: Since 1980, overseen by Safari Game Search Foundation
  • AZA Member: Since 1986

Animals & Exhibits

  • African Elephants: Oregon's only captive African elephants
  • Maned Wolves: Oregon's only captive maned wolves
  • Cheetah Breeding: Top cheetah breeding facility outside of Africa, #2 on Earth; 231 cubs produced as of July 2021
  • Regional Exhibits: Africa, Asia, and Americas sections
  • Featured Species: Lions, tigers, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, zebra, ostrich, Watusi cattle, scimitar horned oryx, emu, yak, white-naped cranes, Sumatran tigers

Safari Village (Free Walk-About)

  • Reptile exhibits and aviaries
  • Australian Wallaroos
  • Big cats
  • Children's petting zoo
  • Seasonal camel rides
  • Retail, dining, customer service
  • Educational programs and animal interactions
Pet Policy: No pets allowed in Safari Village or Drive Through. Free onsite kennels available; locks sold for $5.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

Oregon is home to numerous wildlife rehabilitation centers providing medical care to sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife with the goal of releasing animals back into their natural habitats.

Wildlife Center of the North Coast (WCNC)

Location: Astoria

Non-profit licensed wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education center serving the north Oregon Coast. Specializes in seabird care. Professional medical care for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.

Website: coastwildlife.org

Chintimini Wildlife Center

Service Area: Willamette Valley (Corvallis, Salem, Eugene)

Wildlife hospital open 365 days a year to admit injured and orphaned wildlife. Goal to rehabilitate and release animals back into natural habitats.

Website: chintiminiwildlife.org

Think Wild

Location: Central Oregon

Wildlife Hospital treating and rehabilitating native wildlife. Volunteer opportunities in wildlife rehabilitation, rescue, education, and habitat restoration.

Website: thinkwildco.org

Cascades Raptor Center

Location: Eugene

Connects people and birds of prey through wildlife rehabilitation, public education, and nature displays.

Website: cascadesraptorcenter.org

Blue Mountain Wildlife

Focus: Birds of Prey

Rehabilitates native wildlife, especially raptors, while educating the public about conservation and human impact.

Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education

Type: Large Organization

One of the major wildlife rehabilitation organizations in Oregon earning significant revenues among wildlife sanctuaries.

Petting Zoos & Educational Farms

Oregon offers numerous petting zoos and educational farms providing hands-on encounters with farm and exotic animals, perfect for children's education and family experiences.

Gramma Rose's Petting Zoo

Fully hands-on petting zoo featuring farm and exotic animals including kangaroos, wallabies, porcupine, parrots, reptiles, and small animals.

Website: grammaroseszoo.com

Little Explorers Petting Zoo

Run by professional educators with passion for animals. Educational programs and gentle animal interactions through hands-on guided activities.

Website: littleexplorerspettingzoo.com

Bauman's Farm & Garden

Array of cute animals to pet during shopping visits at the farm store and garden center.

Website: baumanfarms.com

Triskelee Farm (West Linn)

Small family working farm offering educational farm tours, markets, parties, preschool, camps, and more.

Website: triskeleefarm.com

Old McDonald's Farm (Corbett)

Non-profit educating youth about farm animals, agriculture, gardens, and natural resources.

Portland Community College Rock Creek Farm

When open to public, tour features goats, alpacas, cows, bunnies, chickens, and playground. Free admission by appointment.

The Farm Place at Packer Orchards (Hood River)

Located on Hood River Fruit Loop. Meet farm animals including friendly goats. Purchase zoo food or bottle to feed baby animals (typically spring).

Alpacas of Oregon (Sherwood)

Family-friendly farm offering hands-on experiences with friendly alpaca herd. Open by appointment.

Free Wildlife Viewing Areas

Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area (Reedsport) FREE

Location: 3 miles east of Reedsport on Highway 38
Website: blm.gov

About

  • Management: Jointly managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Bureau of Land Management
  • Size: 1,040 acres (600 acres woodland, 440 acres wetland/grassland)
  • Elk Herd: Year-round residence for 60-120 Roosevelt elk
  • Roosevelt Elk: Largest elk species in North America; bulls can weigh over 1,000 pounds
  • Hours: Free admission, open year-round
  • Parking: Free

Best Times to Visit

  • Elk Visible: Almost every day of the year
  • Best Viewing Times: Early mornings and just before dusk
  • Peak Season: Late August to early October (elk mating season), with September offering peak activity

Additional Wildlife

Beaver, muskrat, mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese, great blue heron, swallows, purple martin, river otter, nutria, coyotes, bears, and cougar.

Facilities

  • Open gazebo with interpretive panels and signs at east end of main parking lot
  • 2 viewing platforms at west end for observing elk
  • Large parking area

Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge FREE

Coverage: Entire length of Oregon coast
Website: fws.gov

Features

  • Wilderness islands and windswept headlands
  • Rocky islands and sheer cliffs provide isolated breeding and resting habitat
  • Diverse communities of birds, marine mammals, and plants
  • Spectacular views and rugged grandeur

Other National Wildlife Refuges in Oregon

Oregon is home to 18 national wildlife refuges offering safe habitat for hundreds of species.

  • Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (Southeastern Oregon): Established 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt; one of Oregon's first refuges
  • William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge: 12 miles south of Corvallis; renowned for resident Roosevelt elk herd
  • Features: Hiking, wildlife watching in tranquil spaces free of crowds

Wildlife Sanctuaries

Oregon features 34 wildlife sanctuaries and refuges providing permanent homes for rescued animals unable to return to the wild.

WildCat Ridge Sanctuary (Scotts Mills)

Focus: Big cats

Accredited big cat sanctuary providing safe lifetime home for captive-born wildcats rescued from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. True sanctuary: does not buy, sell, trade, or breed. Strict no-touch facility.

Website: wildcatridgesanctuary.org

OPR Coastal Primate Sanctuary

Founded: 1998 in Dallas, Oregon

USDA licensed sanctuary and independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing care for rescued primates.

Website: oregonprimaterescue.com

Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary (Scio)

Type: Farm Animal Rescue

Oregon's largest farm animal rescue featuring cows, pigs, goats, and more rescued animals.

Welcome Home Animal Sanctuary (Creswell)

Dedicated to creating forever home for rescued farm animals.

Out to Pasture Animal Sanctuary (Estacada)

Provides lifelong care for abused, neglected, and abandoned farm animals.

Museums with Wildlife Exhibits

High Desert Museum (Bend) AZA

Address: 59800 S Hwy 97, Bend, OR 97702
Website: highdesertmuseum.org

About

  • Opened: 1982
  • Size: 135 acres with 100,000+ square feet of exhibit space
  • Accreditation: AZA-accredited, American Alliance of Museums, Smithsonian Affiliate
  • Focus: Regional wildlife, culture, art, and natural resources of North America's high desert

Wildlife Exhibits

  • Autzen Otter Exhibit: Underwater viewing of river otters Brook, Pitch, and Wesley
  • Bobcat Exhibit: Meet Timber the bobcat (arrived 2022) in atrium habitat
  • Desertarium: Gila monsters, desert tortoises, rattlesnakes, turtles, burrowing owls, Mazama newts
  • Donald M. Kerr Birds of Prey Center: Great horned owls, eagles, hawks
  • Porcupine Exhibit: Close-up viewing in Hollern Atrium
  • Trout Exhibits: Bull trout, rainbow trout, redband trout in Cheney Pond
  • Threatened Species: Peregrine falcon, bald eagle, desert tortoise, bull trout, steelhead trout, Foskett speckled dace, Warner sucker

Programs

  • Bird of Prey Encounter: Twice daily (meet Hope the peregrine falcon or Phillip the golden eagle)
  • All animals in care cannot be released to wild; most rescued after injury
Conservation Note: Museum partners with National Park Service and Oregon Zoo to protect Mazama newt from extinction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oregon has 4 AZA-accredited facilities: Oregon Zoo (Portland) with 50 years of continuous accreditation, Wildlife Safari (Winston), Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport) with 25 years of accreditation, and High Desert Museum (Bend) newly accredited in 2025. The Oregon Zoo and Philadelphia Zoo were the first two zoos in the world to earn AZA accreditation in 1974.

The Oregon Zoo in Portland, founded in 1888, is the oldest zoo in Oregon and the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River. It sits on 64 acres in Washington Park and houses more than 1,800 animals representing 230+ species. The zoo is famous for its elephant breeding program, with 29 calves born since 1962, making it the most successful zoo elephant breeding program in the world.

Wildlife Safari in Winston offers a 4.5-mile drive-through experience spanning 615 acres with 550+ animals representing 75+ species. The drive takes 90 minutes to 2 hours and features animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas including African elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes. Wildlife Safari is the top cheetah breeding facility outside of Africa with 231 cubs produced as of 2021. The park also includes a free walk-about Safari Village with petting zoo, reptile exhibits, and animal interactions. Open 363 days per year.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the United States. This AZA-accredited facility spans 23 acres and features 15,000 animals representing 300 species including sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, giant Pacific octopus, and diverse fish species. The aquarium achieved 25 years of continuous AZA accreditation and offers special experiences like Octopus Encounter, Sea Jelly Touch Encounter, Behind the Scenes Tours, and VR experiences. Admission ranges from free for ages 0-2 to $24.95 for adults. Plan minimum 2 hours for your visit.

Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area near Reedsport offers free wildlife viewing of 60-120 Roosevelt elk year-round. Located 3 miles east of Reedsport on Highway 38, this 1,040-acre area is jointly managed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Roosevelt elk are the largest elk species in North America with bulls weighing over 1,000 pounds. Elk are visible almost every day, with best viewing during early mornings and before dusk. Peak activity occurs during mating season from late August to early October. The area features free parking, viewing platforms, and interpretive panels. Additional wildlife includes beaver, river otter, waterfowl, herons, and occasionally bears and cougars.

Seaside Aquarium, founded in 1937, is the oldest privately owned aquarium on the West Coast. Located at 200 North Prom in Seaside, the facility has been operated by the same family since opening. The building was originally constructed in the 1920s as the Seaside Baths Natatorium, an indoor saltwater swimming pool. The aquarium features 35 glass tanks with Oregon species including wolf eels, rockfish, crustaceans, cod, and a giant Pacific octopus. Seaside Aquarium was one of the first to successfully breed harbor seals in captivity in the 1980s; the current seal family represents third and fourth-generation offspring.

Oregon offers numerous petting zoos and educational farms for children. Gramma Rose's Petting Zoo features fully hands-on experiences with kangaroos, wallabies, porcupine, parrots, and reptiles. Little Explorers Petting Zoo is run by professional educators offering guided animal interactions. Bauman's Farm & Garden provides animals to pet during farm store visits. Triskelee Farm in West Linn offers educational tours, markets, and camps. Old McDonald's Farm in Corbett is a non-profit educating youth about farm animals and agriculture. Wildlife Safari's Safari Village includes a free children's petting zoo with domestic animals. Portland Community College Rock Creek Farm offers free tours by appointment featuring goats, alpacas, cows, bunnies, and chickens.

Oregon zoos house several rare and endangered species. The Oregon Zoo is home to Chendra, the only Bornean elephant in North America (only approximately 1,000 exist worldwide). The zoo maintains 19 endangered and 9 threatened species and participates in Borneo elephant conservation programs in Malaysia. Wildlife Safari houses Oregon's only captive African elephants and maned wolves, plus operates the top cheetah breeding facility outside Africa. The High Desert Museum features seven threatened or previously threatened species including peregrine falcon, bald eagle, desert tortoise, bull trout, steelhead trout, Foskett speckled dace, and Warner sucker. The museum also works to protect the rare Mazama newt from extinction in partnership with the National Park Service and Oregon Zoo.

Oregon has numerous wildlife rehabilitation centers across the state. Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria specializes in seabird care serving the north Oregon coast. Chintimini Wildlife Center operates a 24/7 wildlife hospital in the Willamette Valley covering Corvallis, Salem, and Eugene. Think Wild runs a wildlife hospital in Central Oregon with volunteer opportunities in rehabilitation, rescue, and education. Cascades Raptor Center in Eugene focuses on birds of prey rehabilitation and public education. Blue Mountain Wildlife rehabilitates native wildlife, especially raptors. Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education is one of the largest organizations earning significant revenues among Oregon wildlife sanctuaries. All centers provide professional medical care to sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife with the goal of releasing animals back into natural habitats.

Oregon zoos offer various discounts. The Oregon Zoo provides $13 AZA reciprocal admission for up to four people with participating zoo memberships, group discounts of $19 per ticket for 20+ tickets, $3 off for military/veterans with ID, and discounted admission for Oregon and Washington income assistance program participants. Wildlife Safari offers free admission for mothers on Mother's Day and fathers on Father's Day, free admission for active military/veterans/first responders with 10% discount for their group, plus annual memberships at $120/year for unlimited drive-through access. Special encounter experiences include giraffe encounters at $15 per person and cheetah encounters at $30 per person. The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers reduced rates for seniors ($19.95), young adults ($19.95), and children ($14.95), with free admission for ages 0-2.

Last updated on November 27, 2025