Perhaps best known for its elephants, the Oregon Zoo has the largest breeding herd of elephants in captivity. However, in recent years, the zoo has been continually adding new exhibits and has been branching out beyond the world of pachyderms. The Africa exhibit, which includes a very lifelike rain forest and a savanna populated by zebras, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and other animals, is one of the most true-to-life habitats you'll ever see at a zoo. Equally impressive is the Alaskan tundra exhibit, with grizzly bears, wolves, and musk oxen. The Cascade Crest exhibit includes mountain goat habitat, and in the Steller Cove exhibit, you can watch the antics of Steller sea lions and sea otters. Also, don't miss the bat house. At press time, there were plans to open a new Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit in late 2001.

In the summer, there are outdoor concerts in the zoo's amphitheater; admission prices vary.