November 1 & 2
FREE with Zoo admission or Louisville Zoo membership

New this year: the Louisville Zoo is creating a special ofrenda for Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) to honor beloved pets and Zoo animals that have passed away–animals who brought joy to our guests, inspired our mission, and touched the hearts of staff.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a traditional celebration in Mexico and many other cultures to honor and remember loved ones who have passed. It is a vibrant and heartfelt tradition and a joyful celebration of the life, memory, and connections we had with those who have passed. As part of the celebration, families create ofrendas, or altars, decorated with photos and other meaningful items to remember those who have passed. Marigolds and monarch butterflies are also common themes as the holiday coincides with the monarch butterflies return to Mexico to overwinter in the oyamel fir forest in the mountains of Michoacan and the State of Mexico.

Public Submissions

This year marks the Louisville Zoo’s first time participating in this tradition. As part of our celebration, we are creating a special ofrenda to honor beloved animals who have passed. Zoo staff will be celebrating Zoo animals who brought joy to our guests, inspired our mission, and touched the hearts of staff.

We invite our guests to join us in this meaningful celebration by contributing a remembrance for their lost pets to the ofrenda.

Guidelines for Honoring Passed Pets

As we celebrate Día de los Muertos, we invite guests to contribute to a special ofrenda (altar) dedicated to the memory beloved pets who have passed. This is a time to reflect, honor, and celebrate the lives of the animals who touched our hearts.

What You Can Contribute

(please note-items will not be returned. Please consider items carefully before submitting.)

• Photos of the animal (printed copies only, no originals please)
• Drawings or paintings (reminder items will not be returned, please consider copies)
• Written remembrances (short stories, poems, or letters)
• Decorated name cards with the animal’s name and a few words about them
• Paper marigolds or other symbolic decorations
• Small symbolic items (e.g., a favorite type of toy, or species-related figurine)

Creative Guidelines

• Keep contributions to a reasonable size (no larger than 8×10 inches).
• Use non-perishable materials (paper, cardboard, fabric, etc.).
• Avoid real food or organic materials (to prevent pest issues).
• Be respectful and celebratory in tone—this is a joyful remembrance.
• Label your contribution with your name (optional).

Submission Details

In order to provide additional communication to participants, and to assist the Zoo with planning for our Beloved Pet Ofrenda, please complete a brief submission contact form online:

Submit Online

• Submission contact form deadline: October 10
• If submission is approved, participant drop-off will be: October 18-19
• Drop-off Location: Collection box at the Zoo receptionist desk, 1100 Trevilian Way
• Display Dates: November 1-2

Need Inspiration?

Think about:

• A funny or touching memory you have of the animal.
• What made them unique or special.
• How they impacted your life or your heart.

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