Detroit Zoo Hosts Party For The Planet

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) - The Detroit Zoo will host its annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 16 from 9 am until 3 pm. Presented by Metro PCS, the Zoo-wide event is dedicated to celebrating wildlife and educating Zoo visitors about environmental conservation.

Earth Day will feature earth-friendly crafts, an endangered species scavenger hunt, a 30-foot rock climbing wall (weather permitting), family yoga classes, animal enrichment and zookeeper talks.

Live entertainment will include a hands-on drumming performance, children's music, and storytelling with Sue Beth Balash, author of "Mimi the Inchworm."

A Green Games Gallery will be hosted by the Detroit Zoological Society's Green Team conservation group, including games using recycled materials, storytelling and educational displays.

The event will also include composting demonstrations by the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA), exhibits by local conservation groups and a visit from the Rainforest Café tree frog mascot, Cha!Cha!.

All Earth Day activities are free with regular Zoo admission. Admission is $12 for adults 15 and up, $10 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $8 for children ages 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free).

Click here to view a complete schedule of the Zoo's Earth Day activities.

Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of 10 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. The Zoo is open daily 9 am to 5 pm April through Labor Day. For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.