Party for the Planet at the Erie Zoo

Jessica Hunter Photography

Help raise awareness about endangered species, raise funding for the conservation work of the Erie Zoo, and explore the newly constructed butterfly garden all at the upcoming Party for the Planet event.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Join the Erie Zoo this month to celebrate Earth and all those who inhabit it with their annual event, Party for the Planet. Started by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Party for the Planet is a nationally celebrated event that brings together three internationally celebrated days: Earth Day, World Oceans Day, and Endangered Species Day.

The focus of Party for the Planet is to celebrate not only the planet that we inhabit, but also all the species that we share the space with, learning how to better provide for both these species and the Earth.

The Erie Zoo will be celebrating on zoo grounds alongside other conservation and green-minded organizations from around the Erie area including: Asbury Woods, Presque Isle State Park, newBin, TREX Recycling, Lake Erie Arboretum (LEAF), and the Purple Martin Conservation Association. Each organization is ready to party alongside event-goers and will have stations located throughout the grounds to educate visitors about their green-minded and conservational efforts within the Erie community and beyond.

The zoo will have their own stations as well, with employees and volunteers offering interactive opportunities for guests to learn about endangered species, composting, the importance of recycling, and the horticultural team's role at the Erie Zoo. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to purchase their very own zoo-grown tomato or pepper plants to start their own gardens at home.

Debuting at the event will be the zoo's newest interactive exhibit, the Amazing Butterfly Experience. Visitors will be able to enter a tent full of plants and different species of butterflies, including painted ladies, monarchs, red admirals, and black swallowtails. For a small fee, guests will also be able to purchase special food to feed the butterflies.

Donations to conservation efforts can be made on the day of the party by participating in the Party for the Planet raffle or by purchasing an Erie Zoo button in the orangutan building. 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. // Event included in price of admission or with Erie Zoo Membership // Rain or shine // For more information: eriezoo.org