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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2006)
Page 14 The INDEPENDENT, June 1, 2006 Public invited to vote for 2006 Zoo Father of the Year They might not be able to teach you how to throw a base- ball or build a tree fort, but fa- thers of the animal kingdom still have a lot to share with their children. If not for them, the young animals wouldn’t know how to catch fish, climb trees or fly. The Oregon Zoo is honoring these devoted fathers by se- lecting its 2006 Zoo Father of the Year. The zoo is inviting the public to help choose the winner. This year’s nominees are Kiku, a colobus monkey; Yellow Left, a Humboldt penguin; and Woy, a California condor. An online ballot featuring photos and short biographies of the zoo dads is posted on the zoo’s Web site: http://www.oregonzo o.org/Voter/vote_form.cfm. “We just finished a success- ful campaign for Zoo Mother of the Year, and found it was a fun way to bring attention to the an- imals,” said Tony Vecchio, zoo director. “As the public reads about the nominees, which are either threatened or endan- gered, we hope they’ll come to understand and care about the challenges facing these species and others.” The finalists were selected by zoo employees from an ini- tial list of seven zoo dads. This year, animal keepers expect a close race, because all three fathers have excellent parent- ing skills. Kiku, a colobus monkey, has been a hands-on dad since the births of his sons, Oscar and Maliki, offering protection and playing with his children. “I think he’s the greatest dad in our zoo,” says Asaba Muko- bi, Africa keeper. “When Kiku’s children were born, he knew in- stinctively how to care for them when the mother didn’t.” Yellow Left, a Humboldt pen- guin, is the proud father of 13 offspring. Although he is nearly 95 percent blind and suffers from arthritis, he is still a very protective and attentive father. “He is the best parent in the colony, including the females,” says Rick Yazzolino, penguin keeper. “Yellow Left is an amazing father, because he fights through the pain of his disabilities to help incubate, feed and raise his chicks. He’s a wonderful dad and deserves to be zoo dad of the year!” Rounding out the trio of dads is Woy, a California condor who recently became a dad for the fourth time when his chick hatched on May 13. “In the past, Woy has always been a doting dad,” says Shawn St. Michael, assistant condor curator. “He’s helped his chicks learn how to feed, communicate, groom and just be well-rounded condors. He’s helped teach all the skills that are critical for survival in the wild,” he added. Online votes will be accept- ed through Thursday, June 15, at 5:00 p.m. The zoo will an- nounce the 2006 Zoo Father the Year on Friday, June 16, and the winner will receive a special treat from the zoo keep- ers. Save Time and Money Shop Local The zoo is a service of Metro and is dedicated to its mission to inspire the community to cre- ate a better future for wildlife. Committed to conservation, the zoo is currently working to save endangered California condors, Oregon silverspot butterflies, western pond turtles and Kin- caid’s lupine. Other projects in- clude studies on black rhinos, Asian elephants, polar bears and bats. The zoo opens at 9 a.m. dai- ly and is located just off High- Maryhill Museum’s summer series, Maryhill Fun Days, will celebrate the creative ingenuity of the American farmer on Sun- day, June 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with old time music, clog dancing, a cowgirl poet, and much more. The program is open to all ages and children under 17 are free with one paid adult. Musician Rick Meyers will treat audiences to old-time mu- sic played on a variety of un- usual instruments and common household items as he demon- strates Appalachian clog danc- ing. Meyers will also show chil- dren how to create animated string figures called “frayed knots.” Visitors are invited to watch leathercraft master Karen Gar- cia demonstrate the beautiful art of restoring antique leather saddles. Pam Forbes will demonstrate carding and spin- YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FREE ning wool into thread, and Mar- va Ericksen will reveal the art of “wheat weaving.” Cowgirl poet Mary Jean Risheim will give a reading of her poetry about her western roots and a way of life that en- dures on the high prairie. Outside, on the Museum’s extensive grounds, sheep rancher Max Fernandez will lead his team of oxen in a demonstration of pre-industrial farming methods and there will be several historic tractors on display. “Bring your entire family for an afternoon of fun activity and exploration of rural culture,” said Carrie Clark, curator of ed- ucation. The day’s activities are in conjunction with the exhibi- tion, Sustaining Change on the American Farm, featured at the Museum through July 30. A special display of children’s art from the local 4-H Club, in- spired by the exhibition, will also be featured. Additional activities will be available in the EyeSEE Re- source Room, and Art Discov- ery Activity Guides with family activities related to the current exhibitions can be obtained at the Museum’s entrance. The day’s activities are funded by a gift from Judith H. Lackstrom and Robert E. Morrow. Maryhill Museum of Art, a castle-like chateau overlooking the Columbia River, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through November 15, and is located on Washington Scenic Route 14 just west of U.S. 97. Also at the site are a café, gift shop, picnic grounds, and gardens with outdoor sculpture. General admission is $7, $6 seniors, and $2 for youths 6 to 16. Tillamook State Forest offers summer programs The Oregon Department of Forestry invites you to experi- ence the Tillamook State For- 4 Jumbo Washers Air-conditioned Easy Access with Ample Parking THE ADVERTISERS WHO KEEP Know of an upcoming event going on in Banks? Are you a member of a group involved in a Banks activity? Always thought such and such would make a good story? Want to see more coverage of Banks in The Independent? Call, fax or email information on upcoming events to us. Phone or fax to 503-429-9410. Email information to rebec ca@the-independent.net. Maryhill Museum offers special program on June 11 Oak Village Laundromat S UPPORT way 26. The zoo is also acces- sible by MAX light rail line. Vis- itors who take the bus or MAX receive 50 cents off zoo admis- sion. General admission is $9.50 (12-64), seniors $8 (65+), chil- dren $6.50 (3-11), and infants 2 and under are free. A parking fee of $1 per car is also re- quired. Additional information is available at www.oregon zoo.org or by calling 503-226- 1561. Attention: Banks residents located next to Jim’s Market at the junction of Hwy 47 & Hwy 6 Main Street, Banks est this summer by taking part in regularly scheduled interpre- tive programs that are open to the public. Experienced forest inter- preters offer guided walks, talks and tours on this 364,000- acre forest located one hour west of Portland in the northern Coast Range. The programs are free, and are conducted at easily reachable locations off Highway 6 in the Tillamook State Forest. Average program length is one hour. All events are FREE and open to ALL AGES, and start at 7:00 p.m. (unless noted other- wise). June 3 – Batty about Bats, at Browns Camp Campground. As the sun goes down, turn your gaze skyward. Join inter- preters on a hike to discover and learn about these mini mammals that rule the sky at night. Learn the natural history of some of Oregon’s bat species and the myths that sur- round these fascinating crea- tures. June 10 – Incredible Insects at Smith Homestead Day Use Area. Take a fascinating trip with us into the world of in- sects. Kids of all ages will enjoy learning the role of insects in our environment and compar- ing body structures and adap- tations. We will walk to a near- by meadow to capture and ex- amine insect specimens.
