YLC Embarks on Zoo Expedition

This Saturday, the Youth Leadership Council got up bright and early for a field trip! Joined by Mayor Joe Buck and City Councilor Massene Mboup, the group traveled north to the Oregon Zoo, where they were met by current Director of Events at the Oregon Zoo—and former YLC advisor—Jamie Inglis. Jamie welcomed the YLC into the zoo, then introduced them to Metro Councilor Christine Lewis.

Councilor Lewis, who represents Lake Oswego and surrounding cities on the Metro Council, walked the YLCers through Metro’s role and functions. She discussed how Metro oversees the entire region, working with cities to plan and fund urban development, and how it also operates major tourist attractions in the region, Zoo included. She also gave her perspective on the challenge of balancing the needs of smaller cities, like the ones she represents, with the needs of larger ones, and how Metro can mediate between the two. Meanwhile, Jamie fielded questions about the Zoo’s internal workings, including how much revenue its events bring in, and whether she gets to see the animals being fed (her office is right above the animal nutrition center!)

After the Q&A concluded, the YLC set off to explore the zoo. The first stop: an 11 AM “animal encounter” with Toby the three-banded armadillo, who emerged from his crate to sniff everything in sight. Toby was followed by a close encounter with mongooses, a viewing of a rhinoceros feeding, a glimpse of Tula-Tu the baby elephant, a tour of the insect exhibit, a peek at the majestic California Condors, and so much more. Enjoying a lunch in the sunshine, the YLCers decided that this was an excellent way to end the year.

The next Youth Leadership Council meeting will take place in September. For more about the Oregon Zoo, please see here. Applications for the 2025-26 Youth Leadership Council have closed; for more information, please consult the YLC webpage or follow the YLC Instagram at @loteenlounge.