CONTACT:
Kyle Shepherd; 502-744-5639; Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo invite the community to honor some of the Zoo’s most beloved residents at the Zoo’s first ever Birthday Bash on Saturday, January 24. This new event launches a monthly series of animal birthday celebrations that will continue throughout the year.
“Louisville is fortunate to have an amazing zoo with a wide variety of animals that call it home,” said Mayor Greenberg. “This new, fun-filled tradition is a great opportunity to celebrate our animal residents, adding to an already packed calendar of celebrations at the Louisville Zoo.”
Watch as these birthday stars enjoy species-specific custom enrichment treats designed just for them. Plus, guests can enjoy special keeper talks that reveal fascinating animal stories and care insights.
Birthday Bash Schedule (subject to change):
10:15 a.m. Siamang Darwin (23) Islands
10:30 a.m. Leopard Tortoises Esmerelda and Lavern (both 7) Giraffe bldg./Hyrax habitat
11 a.m. Western Lowland Gorilla Jelani (29) Gorilla Forest
11:15 a.m. Polar Bear Qannik (15, pronounced “KUN-ick”) Glacier Run
11:30 a.m. Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Gibbs (19) Africa/Zebra
12:15 p.m. African Penguins Clyde (7) Islands
2 p.m. Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth Fern (9) – keeper talk Sloth
2:15 p.m. Grey Seals Boone (22) and Rona (12) Glacier Run
The January Birthday Bash is free with Zoo admission. Plan your visit and see the full schedule at https://louisvillezoo.org/birthdaybash.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.
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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