Celebrate Herman the Sturgeon’s Birthday at Bonneville Fish Hatchery!
Some Oregon celebrities prefer the spotlight. One, in particular, prefers a cool pond, fishy snacks, and admirers swinging by to say hello - paparazzi are welcome!
Meet Herman the Sturgeon — Oregon’s only celebrity fish.
You are invited to join the Oregon Wildlife Foundation in celebrating Herman’s birthday on Sunday, June 21, from 10 am to 2 pm at Bonneville Fish Hatchery in the Columbia River Gorge. This is a free, family-friendly event packed with birthday fun, hatchery exploration, and opportunities to learn about one of Oregon’s oldest living fish.
And yes, … there will be cupcakes.
Meet Herman
If you’ve never met Herman, now is your chance.
Herman is a white sturgeon that’s approximately 10 feet in length and weighs more than 500 pounds. While there are likely larger sturgeon in the Columbia River, Herman has become an incredible ambassador for one of Oregon’s most ancient and fascinating fish species. White sturgeon are long-lived fish, with some living in excess of 100 years. Herman, now in his 80s, is beating the odds and thriving. More reasons to celebrate!
White sturgeon have been swimming in Pacific Northwest waters for millions of years. Today, however, they face growing challenges including habitat fragmentation caused by dams, deteriorating water quality, and more frequent low-water years.
That’s why Herman’s home 一 the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, and the conservation story it helps tell 一 matters to the long-term conservation of this fascinating species.
A Birthday Worth Celebrating
Whether you’re already a Herman the Sturgeon fan or are making your first visit to the hatchery and Center, there’s something for everyone at this all-ages celebration.
Herman’s Birthday Schedule
PARTY #1
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Morning activities
10:45 a.m. – Happy Birthday Sing-Along #1
11:30 p.m. – Cupcakes
PARTY #2
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Afternoon Activities
1:15 p.m. Happy Birthday Sing-Along #2
1:30 p.m. Cupcakes
1:45 p.m. Raffle Drawing
2:00 p.m. – Event Ends
Snap a picture with Herman, explore the hatchery grounds, and learn more about Oregon’s iconic fish and wildlife.
Herman’s Home Needs a Little Love
Herman has lived at the Sturgeon Viewing & Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery since 1998.
The Center was made possible through a partnership between the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife and Oregon Wildlife Foundation who, together, raised more than $350,000 to build a permanent home for Herman after decades at the Roaring River Fish Hatchery and traveling back and forth to the Oregon State Fair.
For more than 28 years, the Center has welcomed visitors from around the world. But the weather of the Columbia River Gorge and the passage of time has taken a toll on the building and the habitat within Kelly’s Pond - where Herman lives, and the nearby pool that hosts additional fish.
Oregon Wildlife Foundation is currently raising funds to support needed renovations and updates to the Center, including habitat improvements and refreshed interpretive displays that better connect today’s audiences with Oregon’s conservation story.
Want to give Herman a birthday gift? A tax-deductible donation to support the renovation of the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center is most welcome.
Donate to support the Sturgeon Center renovation campaign using this link:https://secure.givelively.org/donate/oregon-wildlife-foundation/sturgeon-interpretive-center
Raise a Glass to Herman
Returning for another year, Ferment Brewing is bringing back “High Five, Herman!” IPA — a specially-brewed beer in honor of Oregon’s only celebrity fish. The beer is now available for guests 21+ at Ferment Brewing’s Hood River tasting room and in select stores throughout the Portland metro area. A portion of sales proceeds will benefit the Sturgeon Center campaign.
High Five Herman! is made with regional, environmentally responsible ingredients, featuring Salmon-Safe malt from Mainstem Malt, Salmon-Safe hops from Crosby Hops, supporting farming practices that help protect watersheds and wildlife habitat.
Ways You Can Help Protect Sturgeon
Wild white and green sturgeon across Oregon need our help.
Here are some simple ways you can support sturgeon conservation:
Properly dispose of trash and waste materials
Prevent pollution from entering streams and rivers
Reduce water and electricity use when possible
Follow fish and wildlife regulations
Report the illegal take (poaching) of sturgeon to Oregon State Police or through the Turn In Poachers Hotline: 1-800-452-7888
Even small actions help protect Oregon’s waterways for fish and wildlife — conserving them so that future generations can also experience and enjoy them.
Plan Your Visit
Herman’s Birthday Celebration Sunday, June 21 | 10 am – 2 pm at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery 70543 NE Herman Loop Cascade Locks, OR
From I-84, take Exit 40 and follow signs to Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery.
We hope you’ll join us for a day of cupcakes, conservation, and celebration of a truly legendary fish. After all, not every Oregon icon gets a birthday party.
But Herman deserves one.
