New ‘Kids in Action’ program added to annual event
The Louisville Zoo announces the return of its annual celebration, Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Throughout April, the Zoo will host a series of weekend activities and discounted admission opportunities to celebrate the wonder of our planet and promote the need to protect it.
New in 2024, the Zoo introduces the ‘Kids in Action’ program, inviting families and individuals of all ages to participate in environmentally beneficial projects in their own backyards. Participants can choose an activity aligned with conservation efforts and submit photos and explanations of their projects. Submissions will be accepted through April 16 with four winners selected on April 18 through a random drawing. Winners will receive a Zoo prize package and be invited to a special press conference celebrating Earth Month on April 21. A video retrospective of all projects will be shared on April 22.
“We are proud to once again host this month-long celebration of earth’s remarkable ecosystems,” said Dan Maloney, director of the Louisville Zoo. “Wildlife needs everyone to thrive, and Party for the Planet provides the perfect opportunity for people to learn how they can help promote and protect wildlife and wild places. Big thanks to LG&E and KU Foundation for making the entire month of festivities possible.”
The celebration kicks off with Recycling Weekends on April 6, 13, and 20, featuring various conservation organizations offering tips and suggestions to protect the environment. Special activities, including animal presentations and keeper talks, will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekend.
In addition, the Zoo will offer unique compost sales with ZooPoopyDoo compost available for purchase on April 6, 13, 20, and 27. Fun Day Mondays on April 8, 15, 22, and 29 will feature $7.25 Zoo admission, powered by LG&E and KU Foundation, with a portion of proceeds supporting conservation projects worldwide.
Party for the Planet culminates with Earth Day observed on April 21, with $5 off general admission at the Zoo’s admissions windows and free parking all day, powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners will be featured throughout the Zoo, providing guests with valuable information on environmental conservation.
“Our earth and its resources are precious, and this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them,” said Mary Kate Gray, manager of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs at LG&E and KU. “We’re proud to continue this long-standing partnership with the Zoo to help foster this tradition and a love of the environment within our community.”
For more information about Party for the Planet events and scheduling, see below and visit louisvillezoo.org/earth.
Recycling weekends
April 6, 13 and 20
Each weekend in April, the Zoo will host a different conservation organization to offer ways for guests to help our environment! Organizations and programs that help the air, water, land, and, of course, animals will be featured each of these weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy special animal presentations, keeper talks, as well as tips and suggestions to help protect wildlife and wild places.
April 6 Crayon Recycling
April 13 Shoe Recycling
April 20 Document Shredding
Louisville ZooPoopyDoo Compost Sales
April 6, 13, 20 and 27
The most unique and wildest blend of ZooPoopyDoo compost will be made available for sale each Saturday in April from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $45 per scoop. Products will be loaded into your vehicle in the Zoo’s Bus parking lot. Only open-top truck beds and trailers will be loaded. To purchase online, visit louisvillezoo.org/zoopoopydoo.
Fun Day Mondays
April 8, 15, 22 and 29
Guests can enjoy $7.25 Zoo admission, powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Parking of $7 is not included and will be charged at the Zoo’s admission windows. Twenty-five cents from every ticket sold supports species survival activities through the Zoo’s conservation work with regional, national and global partners such as Monarch Watch, Kentucky Natural Land Trust, Snow Leopard Trust, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Polar Bears International and the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Program.
Kids in Action Winners Announced
Sunday, April 21
The Zoo will announce the winners of its new Kids in Action program.
Earth Day Observed at the Zoo
Sunday, April 21
Party for the Planet culminates with $5 off general admission and free parking all day powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners will be featured throughout the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission discount cannot be applied to any online ticket purchases and will only be applied during transactions made at the Zoo’s admission windows on April 21.
Plant Sale
Saturday, April 27
Guests can browse a selection of native plant available for purchase at the Zoo from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or while supplies last.