By championing animal conservation and sustainability practices, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium staff quietly observes Earth Day every day.
Then, spring comes, and with it, the real Earth Day on April 22. That’s when the zoo crew gets ready to party, and you’re on the guest list!
Earth Day Celebration Weekend: “Protect our Species” will transform the zoo grounds into an eco-festival of live music, outdoor parties, animal expert talks, and other interactive fun.
Just inside the entrance, visitors can stop by conservation activity stations manned by environmentally focused groups from around Ohio. Afterward, make your way to Lakeside Pavilion to meet and greet the zoo’s character ambassadors.
You’ll go green, but not with envy, when you attend a high-energy Party for the Planet featuring dancing and other activities near the large map in Conservation Courtyard.
The meet-and-greets and parties will be moved inside the pavilion in the event of inclement weather.
Can’t get enough of those crazy character ambassadors? They’ll also be rolling through the zoo on a musical train at various times throughout the day, depending on the weather.
Not least of all, there will be animals aplenty, and you can learn about them straight from the experts who care for them. Zookeepers will discuss species in six of the eight animal regions including lions and tigers and koalas (which, sadly, are not bears).
Go wild for recycling
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has partnered with Accurate IT Services and Dress for Success to hold separate recycling drives in celebration of Earth Day.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23, old electronics can be dropped off in the zoo parking lot to be properly recycled and repurposed. For a list of accepted and unaccepted items, visit accurateit.com/items-accepted.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24, visitors can donate gently used, clean professional clothing that will help women prepare for interviews, work and career advancement.
No zoo plans? No problem! You can still participate by telling the parking booth attendant you’re there to donate and you can enter for free. Once in the lot, turn left and follow the cones to the recycling trucks or clothing collection container.
Join the Earth Day fun
Earth Day Celebration Weekend: “Protect Our Species” is included with zoo admission. There are several types of tickets available at columbuszoo.org/hours-and-rates.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Zoo to go wild for the weekend with Earth Day celebration
Reporting by Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
