Media Update: November 2007

NOVEMBER TOPICS

Family Travel – Oregon Zoo Elephants Prepare for Pint-sized Pachyderm

Lodging News – Lions Gate Inn Opens in Willamette Valley Wine Country

Snow Sports – New Terrain Opens at Timberline Ski Area on Mount Hood

Oregon Zoo Elephants Prepare for Pint-sized Pachyderm

The Oregon Zoo recently announced that 13-year-old Asian elephant Rose-Tu is 10 months pregnant. With a gestation period of 20-22 months, Rose-Tu will likely give birth in September or October 2008. Tusko, a 13,500-pound, 36-year-old Asian elephant, is the proud father.

In the fall of 2006, Tusko was introduced to Rose-Tu in hopes the two would make a love connection. (The zoo closely monitors the female elephants' ovulatory cycles and planned the introduction for the appropriate time.) "We were confident that when we introduced Tusko, sparks would fly," said Deputy Zoo Director Mike Keele, who also serves as the Asian elephant Species Survival Plan coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

The AZA’s Species Survival Plan for Asian elephants recommended that Rose-Tu be bred with Tusko. The AZA, of which the Oregon Zoo is an accredited member, strives to maintain a sustainable population of the endangered elephants in North America. With few bulls and low birth rates – combined with an aging female population – the North American elephant population is at risk of becoming extinct. The Oregon Zoo has a renowned breeding program for endangered Asian elephants. More than 20 elephants have been born there since 1962; the last elephant born at the zoo was Rose-Tu on Aug. 31, 1994.

The Oregon Zoo is located in Portland’s Washington Park. For more information on the facility and updates on Rose-Tu’s pregnancy, visit www.oregonzoo.org.

Media Contacts:

Bill LaMarche, Oregon Zoo, 503.220.2448, bill.lamarche@oregonzoo.org

Linda D'Ae-Smith, Oregon Zoo, 503.220.5716, linda.d’ae-smith@oregonzoo.org

Lions Gate Inn Opens in Willamette Valley Wine Country

Pining for a taste of spring? Longing for the crisp feel of autumn? Historic Lions Gate Inn, located in the village of Newberg in Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine country, offers four newly renovated suites, each decorated to evoke a different season. So, after a day spent touring Oregon’s renowned Pinot noir vineyards, guests can slip into a king-sized sea-grass bed (spring), cuddle beside a see-through fireplace (autumn), or enjoy valley views from a lead glass window in an oversized shower (summer).

The property, although historic (1911), features such modern amenities as discreet solar panels and energy-saving appliances. Guests enjoy bedding made from all-natural materials, an outdoor garden courtyard and a gourmet breakfast of French toast made from brioche, Spanish omelets and eggs cooked to order, smoked salmon, homemade granola, seasonal fresh fruits and yogurt. Innkeeper Lauren Wylie, who learned the fine art of baking in Italy, will also offer guests homemade quiches, croissants and pastries. Rates at the bed-and-breakfast inn range from $175-$200 on weekends to $150-175 weekdays.

Lions Gate Inn is located at 401 N. Howard St., Newberg, Ore., 97132; 503.476.2211. For more information, visit www.distinctivedestination.net.

Media Contact:

Olga Haley, for Lions Gate Inn, 503.860.0848, olgahaley@qwest.net

New Terrain Opens at Timberline Ski Area on Mount Hood

Skiers and snowboarders take note: Mount Hood’s Timberline Ski Area is poised to open Still Creek Basin, the largest and most ambitious development of new Timberline terrain since the 1970s. The expansion, which adds 220 acres to Timberline’s lower mountain area, includes:

- eight additional alpine trails that provide connectivity to existing terrain. The new Kruser Trail is now Timberline’s longest at 1.5 miles.

- the new Jeff Flood Express chairlift, which can whisk riders up the mountain in just six minutes. At 6,270 feet (roughly 1.2 miles) the chairlift – named in honor of a longtime Timberline employee – is now the longest chairlift on Mount Hood.

- new opportunities for cross country skiing and snowshoeing at Still Creek Basin. The recently opened Snowshoe Trail winds its way from historic Timberline Lodge through the woods to the bottom of the Jeff Flood Express chairlift. There, snowshoers have the option of continuing downward to the village of Government Camp via a connection with West Leg Road or returning to the lodge on the chairlift (single-ride tickets are $12).

Still Creek Basin and the Jeff Flood Express will open just as soon as snow levels are sufficient on the lower slopes (Timberline’s upper level runs opened Oct. 26). The official grand-opening celebration for Still Creek Basin is scheduled to take place Dec. 8-9. In addition to the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, guests will enjoy music, commemorative giveaway items and other festivities.

For more information on Still Creek Basin, visit Timberline’s online press area. Additional information can be found at www.timberlinelodge.com.

Media Contact:

Marcus Hibdon, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory, 503.275.9786, marcus@mthoodterritory.com