Earth Day Celebration at the Louisville Zoo with mayor fischer, group of boys and girls with counselors and zoo volunteers for earth day

Earth Day Festival

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

Louisville Zoo Celebrates Earth Day Saturday, April 16
with $8.25 admission powered by LG&E and KU

The Louisville Zoo will celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 16 with a news conference announcing winners of the 4th annual Trashformation art contest. The day will also feature $8.25 general admission and activities to celebrate sustainability. Patrons can learn more about the Zoo’s conservation efforts and visit dozens of “eco-themed” exhibitors.

Sponsored by Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, the Earth Day Festival is the highlight of the Zoo’s “Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth,” in April.

Admission for the general public on April 16 is just $8.25 per person, all day, courtesy of LG&E and KU. Parking is also free.  (Zoo members and children age 2 and under always receive free admission.)

Trashformation recycled art entries will be on display all day in ZooVision and winners will be announced at 11 a.m. at an news conference. Winners in each of the categories will receive a one-of-a-kind painting created by one of the Zoo’s animal artists.

Other activities will help people learn can do to save our planet. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can learn about the Zoo’s conservation efforts and visit eco-partner environmental displays at stations throughout the Zoo. Guests can discover ways to connect to the local environment and make a collective difference in conservation on a national and global level.

Eco-partner exhibitors to date include:

  • American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
  • Beckham Bird Club
  • EVolveKy
  • Fresh Tyme Farmers Market
  • Just Creations
  • Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
  • Kentucky Solar Energy Society
  • Land of Nod
  • Louisville Family ENT
  • Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District
  • Mat Making Ministry
  • Olmstead Parks Conservancy

LG&E and KU’s “Mini-City” Demonstration will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Glacier Run classroom foyer to teach children and adults how to be safe around electricity. The Mini-City is a table-top display that uses live current to demonstrate proper safety techniques using outdoor and indoor scenarios. LG&E and KU’s popular “Louie the Lightning Bug” will buzz around the crowd delighting children and adults from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Zoo’s front plaza.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Due to high attendance during the Earth Day celebration, members of the media are encouraged to plan for increased traffic and crowds. Please call Media Relations Manager Kyle Shepherd at 744-5639 or 238-5331 prior to arrival and sign in at the receptionist desk.)

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, 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 American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve nearly 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 322,000 natural gas and 403,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 546,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. More information is available at www.lge-ku.com and www.pplweb.com.

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