Zoo Memberships, Animal Adoptions and other Unique Gifts For Animals & People

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

The Zoo has a number of great gift-giving ideas that are popular with families and nature lovers that make a world of difference to the Louisville Zoo and to endangered wildlife.

Gift Memberships

The gift that keeps on giving memorable experiences throughout the entire year is a Louisville Zoo Membership. Right now guests can gift a Louisville Zoo Membership by Dec. 31 and save $5 on a full year of excitement and adventure that includes unlimited free admission to the Zoo, Papa John’s Splash Park (seasonal) and free parking during regular Zoo hours. A small plush bear is also included. Memberships can be purchased by calling or visiting the Membership office.  The Membership office is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Christmas and New Year’s Day). Order by Dec.15 to ensure a holiday delivery. Zoo Memberships help the Louisville Zoo preserve and care for threatened and endangered species as well as support critical conservation education programs. For more information, visit our website at louisvillezoo.org or call 502-459-CATS (2287).

Animals Depend on People to Survive  – A.D.O.P.T.S.

Another option that keeps on giving is our animal adoption program called A.D.O.P.T.S.  From sea lions to elephants, all of the animals at the Louisville Zoo need care and feeding. The Louisville Zoo food budget is over $400,000 and nutrition is a top priority including the highest grades of meat and the freshest of produce, along with hundreds of pounds of fish and other seafood.  Funds from the A.D.O.P.T.S. program go toward feeding and caring for all of the 1200 species at the Zoo.   A special holiday A.D.O.P.T.S polar bear package is now $60 (regularly $75) and includes an adoption certificate, with your name or your recipient’s name on the Zoo’s website, a photo button, an 8-inch plush toy and a photo information card about your polar bear.  This special holiday A.D.O.P.T.S. package ends December 22. To ensure delivery for the holiday,order by Dec. 19. Orders can be made by calling 238-5389 or online at louisvillezoo.org/adopts.

Family Project for the Animals

If you are looking for a unique family project, consider visiting the local chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) Enrichment Tree and choosing a paw print tag for your favorite Zoo animal.  It is just like the Angel Trees you see at the mall, but you get to help the animals at the Zoo get fun and exciting new toys to enrich their daily lives!  Each tag lists an animal and a toy they would enjoy. Simply purchase the item and return it to the Zoo’s receptionist desk by Dec. 31.

Unique Shopping

If you are looking for a favorite animal toy and nature-themed gifts, a stop at the Zoo’s Gift Shop should be on your list.  The Zoo’s Main Gift Shop is located at the entrance of the Zoo and offers a great selection of authentic Fair Trade items, holiday ornaments, apparel, educational toys and books, jewelry and assorted plush animals. Shoppers are not required to pay admission to just shop. Louisville Zoo members always enjoy 10% off regularly priced items and receive a special holiday discount of 20% off polar items (excluding plush) through Dec. 24. The gift shop hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). Visit louisvillezoo.org/shopping/holiday for details

The Zoo also offers personalized options including:

• Have a loved one’s name engraved on a Louisville Stoneware leaf, butterfly or bird and placed on the Zoo’s Tree of Life which is located in the Islands exhibit dayroom and can be visited over and over again.
• Have a special person’s name engraved on one of the benches near the Alice S. Etscorn Garden located close to the giraffe and rhino exhibits.
• Behind-the-Scenes VIP tours start at $250 for a small group of five per exhibit area (Louisville Zoo members enjoy a $50 discount).

To learn more about these personalized options, contact the Development office at 502-238-5615 or visit LouisvilleZoo.org/support.

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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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