CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331 | Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
LG&E and KU sponsor events throughout April;
$3 admission to the Zoo’s Earth Day celebration on April 13
The Louisville Zoo is throwing its annual bash for the Earth – Party for the Planet: a Month-Long Celebration of the Earth, powered by Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company. The month of April includes special activities; zookeeper presentations; a regional art contest for students; $3 admission on April 13; and events to delight patrons of all ages.
“One day isn’t enough to celebrate the wonders of our planet, so we’re hosting a party the community can enjoy throughout April,” said Laura Douglas, vice president of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs at LG&E and KU. “Our company and employees enjoy being engaged in events that benefit the environment and community around us, so this is an event we look forward to supporting each year.”
Earth Day Festival
During the April 13 Earth Day festival, guests can enjoy $3 admission and free parking to the Zoo, courtesy of LG&E and KU.
Returning for its second year is Trashformation: a Trash-to-Treasure Recyclable Art Contest for students, ranging from preschool through grade 12. This fun contest offers seven artwork divisions and is open to individual students, groups or classes. A new category, called The “Fridge” Challenge, will allow up to six Louisville-area high school classes to create painting masterpieces using the exterior shell of a recycled refrigerator as the canvas. This category is made possible through LG&E and KU’s Fridge and Freezer Recycling Program and the company’s program partner Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. Contest rules and registration forms are available at louisvillezoo.org. The registration deadline is March 17. Winners of the seven contest divisions will be announced at the Earth Day Festival and all entries will be displayed.
Visit louisvillezoo.org/earth for a complete list of Earth month events.
APRIL PARTY FOR THE PLANET ACTIVITIES
Saturdays, April 5, 12, 19 and 26; 7:30- 11:30 a.m.
ZooPoopyDoo Compost and Mulch Sale
Get your garden ready for spring with our unique, high-quality ZooPoopyDoo compost and hardwood bark mulch. Compost is $40 per scoop. Mulch is $19.50 per scoop. There is 17.8 cubic feet per scoop. These products are now available for pre-purchase online at louisvillezoo.org.
Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eco-Partners: Feed the Dirt and Buddy Bat
Visitors can enjoy community composting and an appearance by Louisville Bats mascot Buddy Bat.
Sunday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Buddy Bat joins Zoo mascots Tundra and Grizwald
Zoo mascots Tundra and Grizwald will be on hand, as well as Louisville Bats mascot Buddy Bat.
Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eco-Partner: Louisville Water Company
Explore how Louisville Water cleans the water you use every day and how water is used by our Zoo animals.
Sunday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (enjoy the Zoo until 6 p.m.)
$3 admission all day, free parking
Eco-Partner displays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day at the Louisville Zoo, and enjoy $3 admission courtesy of LG&E and KU. Spend the day learning about the Zoo’s conservation efforts and visit environmental displays located throughout the Zoo featuring some of our eco-partners.
Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eggstravaganza Weekend
This is one EGGciting weekend. Bring your baskets for this year’s new Easter Egg Hunt. Eggs can be redeemed for a prize following the hunt. Learn about the Zoo‘s egg-laying animals and visit with the Easter Bunny.
Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eco-Partner: Green Gypsy Organics and the Kentucky Orchid Society
The Kentucky Orchid Society will display and sell orchids throughout the day. At 1:30 p.m., Carletta DeLonjay, an herbalist of Green Gypsy Organics, will teach a class on the many uses of medicinal herbs, then lead a walk around the Zoo.
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eco-Partner: Kentucky Science Center
The Kentucky Science Center will help guests explore the impact humans have on the environment and animal habitats.
Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
World Penguin Day and Tacky the Penguin
Guests can learn about the Zoo’s penguins by visiting hands-on interactive stations and through keeper talks. Tacky the Penguin will also make appearances throughout the day.
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About Louisville Zoo, 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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