CONTACT:
Kyle Shepherd; 502-744-5639; Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and The Louisville Zoo announce the return of Party for the Planet: A Monthlong Celebration of the Earth powered by LG&E and KU Foundation.
Throughout April, the Zoo will host a series of weekend activities and discounted admission opportunities to celebrate the wonder of our planet and promote the need to protect it. The month culminates on April 26 with the Zoo’s Earth Day Celebration, which features $5 off general Zoo admission and free parking all day, courtesy of the LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners will be featured throughout the Zoo from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., providing guests with valuable information on environmental conservation.
“At the Louisville Zoo, we’re passionate about protecting the planet and the amazing animals that call it home,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “When we care for wildlife and the world we share, everyone benefits. We’re grateful to LG&E and KU Foundation for helping make a full month of meaningful, engaging experiences possible.”
“Our partnership with the Louisville Zoo reflects our shared commitment to environmental education and community engagement,” said Mary Kate Gray, manager of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs at LG&E and KU. “Through the LG&E and KU Foundation, we’re proud to sponsor Party for the Planet during Earth Month and continue supporting a meaningful event that brings our community together to celebrate and care for our natural world.”
Returning for the third year, our “Kids in Action” program invites families and individuals of all ages to participate in environmentally beneficial projects in their own backyards. Participants are asked to choose an activity aligned with conservation efforts then submit photos and explanations of the project. Submissions will be accepted through April 16 with winners in each category selected through a random drawing. Winners will receive a Zoo prize package and be invited to showcase their projects at the Zoo’s Earth Day Celebration on April 26. Program information is available by visiting louisvillezoo.org/kids.
More information
For more information about Party for the Planet events and scheduling, see below and visit louisvillezoo.org/earth.
FULL LINEUP:
Recycling weekends
Each weekend in April, the Zoo will offer opportunities for community members to help our environment! Organizations and programs that help the air, water, land, and, of course, animals, will be featured each of these weekends from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. No admission is required to participate in recycling activities, which will be located outside of the Zoo’s main entrance.
April 4 Book drive with International Book Project
April 5 Shoe recycling with WaterStep
April 11 Electronic recycling with Bluegrass Recycle
April 12 Cell phone recycling with Eco Cell
April 18 Eyeglass recycling with Vision First
April 19 Prescription drug takeback with LMPD
April 26 On-site document shredding with Shred-It
Tree Seedling giveaway
April 11
Thanks to LG&E and KU Foundation’s Plant for the Program, guests can pick up an eastern redbud tree seedling on April 11 beginning at 10 a.m. until supplies last.
Fun Day Mondays
April 13, 20 and 27
Guests can enjoy $8.25 general Zoo admission (parking not included) powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. A $7 parking fee will be added to your order online or charged at the Zoo’s admission windows. Twenty-five cents from every ticket sold supports species survival activities through the Zoo’s conservation work with local, regional, national and global partners such as Monarch Watch, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Snow Leopard Trust, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Polar Bears International and the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Program.
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, April 19
Guests can browse a selection of native plants available for purchase just outside of the Zoo’s main entrance from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or while supplies last. All plants will be $8. General Zoo admission is not required to shop the plant sale.
Earth Day Celebration and Kids in Action showcase
Sunday, April 26
Party for the Planet culminates as the Zoo observes Earth Day with $5 off general Zoo admission and free parking all day powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners and the four Kids in Action project winners will be featured throughout the Zoo from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Admission discount is only available at the Zoo’s ticket window on April 26 and is not available in advance or online.
The ZooPoopyDoo compost sales will not be available this year.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.
About the Zoo
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. For more information visit www.louisvillezoo.org.
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