Back when the Washington Park and Zoo Railway closed for Oregon Zoo construction in 2013, fans of the longtime zoo attraction expected to see it soon return to its complete route through the park, including the International Rose Test Garden.

Instead, the train only re-opened for a brief ride within the zoo, with the longer park trip remaining closed. The cause, as KGW reported, was the discovery of structural issues and other safety concerns.

Community members have been trying to urge the zoo to restore the train to its full route. As the Northwest Examiner reported, a “Save the Washington Park and Zoo Railway” petition on the Change.org website has with more than than 29,000 signatures.

For all their enthusiasm, it doesn’t sound like zoo train fans should get their hopes up. During an appearance at the Portland City Club Friday Forum on April 19, Metro Council President Lynn Peterson took a question from a City Club member who wondered if Portlanders will see the restoration of the zoo railroad within the next three years.

“In the next three years? Probably no,” Peterson said, adding, “Oh, I’m sorry, I think I disappointed a whole lot of people today.”

Peterson said that while people love the zoo train, at this point it would probably require establishing a foundation to raise money for the project.

The city of Portland has a plan, Peterson said, which Metro is trying to adhere to. That plan “envisions a trail there,” instead of the original zoo train loop.

A lot of other projects have been funded with the zoo bond, Peterson said, adding that the focus has been, and will continue to be, on making “better places for the animals, and to make sure that they’re healthy.”

You can see Peterson’s remarks on a recording of her appearance, beginning at the 58-minute mark.

-- Kristi Turnquist

kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist

Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.