World Rivers Day

Salmon in Oregon. | Photo courtesy of Oregon Zoo

Those who reside in the Metro area or will be visiting can join in celebrating World Rivers Day at the Oregon Zoo (4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland) on Sunday, Sept. 30, from 11a.m.-3 p.m. 

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world's waterways that helps raise awareness about the importance of rivers and the wildlife living in river-based ecosystems.

Healthy rivers are important to humans and wildlife. Species such as salmon and beavers are critical to healthy river habitats, and the presence of other species (such as river otters) means that a river habitat is thriving. Pollution and climate change threaten the health of rivers and negatively impact the wildlife living in and around them.

Zoo keepers who take care of river otters, bald eagles and crocodiles will be educating the community about how we can all contribute to creating a better future for wildlife and waterways.

At 10:45 a.m., there will be a species conservation lab talk. 
At 11:00 a.m., head to the river otter station to learn about otters and beavers.
At 11:30 a.m., visit the turtle stream station to find out about turtles, natives/invasives and the western pond turtle project.
At 12:30 p.m., learn about eagles and salmon/riparian ecosystem health.
At 1:00 p.m., there will be a reptile talk at Family Farm.
At 2:00 p.m., visit the crocodile for a feeding and a talk.

Between noon and 3 p.m., experts from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service will be providing educational programming and activities in the Nature Exploration Station, and discussing rivers, salmon, beavers, invasive species and more. 

Visitors will find out how to take action to protect rivers by using non-toxic cleaning products and participating in river cleanups in their community.

Join the Oregon Zoo today to learn ways to make sure all the rivers in Oregon are clean, healthy and thriving. As the Zoo celebrates World Rivers Day, they join other river enthusiasts around the world in trying to create greater awareness of the need to protect our water resources.

Free with zoo admission.