Oregon Zoo Sends Message to the Future

Conservationists at the Oregon Zoo have a question for the future: How did we do? That's part of the point of a time capsule they buried on zoo grounds to be opened in 50 years.

"Zoos are wildlife experts for their communities," said Grant Spickelmier, the zoo's education curator. "Our goal is to create a better future for wildlife through education, and the time capsule is a reminder of that goal: How did we do? Did we inspire people? Did we take action for wildlife?"

In the 20 x 17 inch box were messages from children and teens addressed to their future self or grandchildren expressing hopes for things like polar bears surviving and California Condors again soaring in the skies over the Pacific Northwest.

The zoo says that the capsule also includes information on the zoo’s decades-long efforts to save imperiled Northwest species like the western pond turtle and the Oregon silverspot butterfly. There is also a copy of a children's book, Wonderful World of Animals written by the zoo's director Dr. Don Moore.

The capsule is part of the zoo's new education center, which is scheduled to open in the spring.

Photos courtesy Oregon Zoo