Zoo welcomes over 800 Girl Scouts to learn about their 2026 cookie-season mascot — the black-footed ferret

Press Release

On Saturday, November 8, the Louisville Zoo will welcome more than 800 Girl Scouts and their leaders for a special day of learning and celebration centered around the remarkable and endangered black-footed ferret which will serve as their next cookie program mascot! Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg will issue a proclamation officially declaring November 8 as Girl Scouts Day in Louisville. Mayor Greenberg and Zoo Director Dan Maloney will be among the first to taste the Girl Scouts’ newest cookie creation — Exploremores — made right here in Louisville.

The Louisville Zoo is a key partner in the breeding and reintroduction of the black-footed ferret into the wild, working alongside five other zoos and organizations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support this vital conservation effort.

Throughout the day, Zoo educators and animal care staff will share the inspiring story of their conservation work. Activities for Girl Scouts will include interactive learning stations, enrichment for the MetaZoo’s resident black-footed ferret, Philo — a special animal ambassador that will be named an honorary Girl Scout — and engaging keeper talks. Zoo visitors can share in the Girl Scouts fun, with special displays and samples of the new-for-2026 cookie, the Exploremore.

Media availability begins at 1:30 p.m. with Mayor Greenberg’s proclamation.

WHAT: Girl Scout Day at the Zoo

WHEN: Saturday, November 81:30 p.m. Mayor presentation of Proclamation of Girl Scout Day in Louisville

WHERE: Louisville Zoo. The Mayor’s presentation at 1:30 p.m. takes place at the MetaZoo amphitheater. Other photo and interview opportunities are available in adjacent MetaZoo areas. 

About Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges— whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate visit www.gskentuckiana.org.