Columbus Zoo Earth Day Celebration: Party for the Planet

The Columbus Zoo celebrates Mother Earth with an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 22-23, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Learn about little things that you can do in your daily life that will add up to make a big difference for all living creatures.

Earth Day Celebration at the Columbus Zoo

There will be lots of Earth Day activities focusing on conservation, including games, crafts, Animal Enrichment, Character Ambassadors and Meet & Greets, and more!

Watch the animals receive special Earth Day treats and enrichment throughout the day.

Conservation stations at Party for the Planet

Environmentally-focused organizations will be there with activities to help you learn about protecting the Earth. Details tba.

Global Hop Region Stops

These stations in each region of the Zoo will promote some of Zoo’s major field conservations partners related to that particular region. This will encourage all guests to “Think Globally, Act Locally” while learning about all of the Zoo’s great work in a fun and interactive way.

Adventure Cove – Marine Mammal Center
Asia Quest – International Elephant Foundation
Australia and Islands – Project Hutan
Congo Expedition – PIC
Heart of Africa – Giraffe Conservation Fund
North America – Ohio Wildlife Center
Polar Frontier – Polar Bears International
Shores (Reptile) – Hellbender recovery
Shores (Manatees) – Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation

Banana Slug String Band

Catch the Banana Slug String Band for two forty-five-minute shows featuring their award-winning soundtracks. With their “guitars, voices, crazy characters, and an extraordinary ability to connect with children… they change the world, one child at a time” with their educational, fun songs.
Lakeside Theatre; Sunday ONLY 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

You’ll also see Character Ambassadors Rolling Celebrations and Character Ambassadors Meet & Greets.

The Party for the Planet celebration is included in the price of Zoo admission or membership. Check out the website for details.

Parking is $10 per car for non-members.

Photo: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Item Donation Drive

April 20, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is partnering with Goodwill to host an item donation drive in celebration of Earth Day. Instead of sending items you no longer use to the landfill, donating them to Goodwill gives these items the chance to be reused by others.

Even if you do not plan on visiting the Zoo this day, you can still participate in the donation drive! Upon arrival, let the parking booth attendant know that you are participating in the donation drive and you will be able to enter the parking lot at no charge.

Accepted items that you can donate include; clothing, shoes, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, jewelry, collectibles and antiques, books, records, video tapes, CDs, DVDs, computers, computer accessories, phones, VCRs, DVD players, flat screen TVs made in the last 5 years, small appliances, household and decorative items, kitchenware, garden supplies, tools, office supplies, linens, blankets, curtains, towels, shower curtains, furniture such as dressers, tables, sofas, chairs, automobiles and boats.

*All items must be in good, clean and working condition. Details here.

Electronic Recycling Drive with Accurate IT Services

April 21, 2023 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. De-clutter your home and repurpose old electronics in a planet-friendly way. Drop off items at the Zoo – it’s quick and easy!

Visit the website to learn what items can accepted. If you are dropping off equipment, you can let the parking attendant know so that you can enter the parking lot for free.

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