Party for the Planet

The Dallas Zoo celebrates Earth Day by hosting a Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 21 from noon - 5 p.m. and Sunday, April 22 from 1 - 5 p.m. This annual event features activity booths from dozens of community organizations, each with an important message about conservation and the environment. The celebration is free with regular paid admission.

Party for the Planet activities include conservation-themed lion, cheetah, and elephant encounters; entertainment by Russ Lowry and The Expressions; and bounce houses and crafts for the kids. Guests also can learn how donating cell phones, tennis shoes, CD/DVDs, and eyeglasses can help sustain our environment, thereby saving the habitats of rhinos, lemurs, gorillas and other apes, and more. With each item donated, families can receive up to four free-ride passes for either the Monorail Safari or the Endangered Species Carousel.

A variety of organizations and products will be represented, such as Bowling For Rhinos, a national bowl-a-thon fundraiser that supports the protection of all five remaining species of rhinos and is organized by local chapters of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), Dallas County Master Gardener Association, the Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club, natural handmade bath and body products from Lush, and Earth-friendly items made solely out of recycled paper from La Alicia.

Admission is $15 for ages 12-64, $12 for ages 3-11 and 65+, and free for ages 2 and younger and Dallas Zoological Society (DZS) members.