PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Zoo had a record-setting Thanksgiving weekend despite the foggy weather.

More than 40,000 visitors turned out to the zoo between Thursday and Sunday, or twice as many people as 2007.

A young boy enjoys the annual sights and sounds of the Oregon ZooLights festival. (Photo courtesy: Oregon Zoo)

In fact, the zoo said it drew more visitors this Thanksgiving than the last two combined.

"We're delighted that so many people chose to make us part of their holiday plans," Zoo Director Tony Vecchio said. "Obviously, the rest of the community enjoys visiting the zoo as much as I do."

The zoo offered free admission on Thanksgiving Day and more than 15,000 people showed up to take advantage of the deal.

It was all part of an open house effort in recognition of the community’s support for a $125 million bond measure that voters passed on Election Day.

 Slideshow: Thanksgiving in Portland

The measure offered funds to improve outdated exhibits and make the zoo more sustainable.

Thursday’s attendance was the second-highest of any single day in its history. Some 2,600 people showed up for the annual Turkey Trot alone.

More than 16,500 Oregonians also headed to the zoo for the annual ZooLights debut.

"Each year, more and more people make ZooLights one of their holiday traditions," Vecchio said. "With more than a million brightly colored lights, this year's display may be our best yet."