Powell, OH – Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for an Earth Day-themed weekend celebration like no other! On April 23 and 24, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., we will celebrate our Earth together while learning how to make more sustainable choices that benefit our planet.
The event is free with Zoo admission or Zoo membership. Activities include:
CONSERVATION STATIONS
Visit many environmentally-focused local organizations located around Conservation Lake to learn more about protecting our environment in a fun, interactive way!
Participants include:
Delaware County Master Gardeners
Grange Audubon
Franklin Park Conservatory
Keep Delaware County Beautiful
Ohio EPA
Preservation Parks of Delaware County
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
CELEBRATION STAGE
Join us at the Conservation Courtyard for a true party for the planet. In honor of Earth Day and the Zoo's Character Ambassadors’ 20th Anniversary, this is the place to be with many high-energy, interactive programs themed around the importance of being green through dances, DJs, games, and prizes.
Times: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
COLUMBUS ZOO CHARACTER AMBASSADOR ROLLING CELEBRATION
Join Jama Giraffe and all her Character Ambassador friends as the Character Express rolls through the Zoo to hype up this party for the planet.
Times: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. (weather dependent; subject to change)
COLUMBUS ZOO CHARACTER AMBASSADOR MEET AND GREETS
Don’t miss the opportunity to get a photo with the Zoo’s Character Ambassadors on their 20th Anniversary!
Times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. (weather dependent; subject to change)
GLOBAL HOP REGION STOPS
Look out for our Character Ambassadors in each region for the opportunity to learn about some of our major field conservation partners related to that particular region of the Zoo. Prepare to "Think Globally, Act Locally!” You can be an Earth Hero by participating in our Puzzle for the Planet Activity. Gather letter clues at each Global Hop Stop to find the missing letters that spell out the answer. Once you find all of the letters, stop at the Earth Day Central tent located near the globe in Entry Village at the front of the Zoo for your prize! Our Global Partners include: Marine Mammal Center, International Elephant Foundation, Project HUTAN, Partners In Conservation, Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Ohio Wildlife Center, Polar Bears International, Hellbender Recovery, and the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership.
GREENSPOT AND THE DOTS STORYTIME
On the front lawn of My House in Habitat Hollow, the City of Columbus and members of our education team will be reading the book, GreenSpot and the Dots.
Times: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m.
*In the case of inclement weather, storytime will be held inside My House at Habitat Hollow.
KEEPER TALKS, presented by GermainCars
Learn about some of the animals from the people who know them best – our zookeepers! Get the inside scoop about the animals’ care, their favorite treats, and how you can protect their cousins in their native range.
Schedule for both days (subject to change):
10 a.m. Lions (Heart of Africa)
11 a.m. Bears (Polar Frontier)
12:30 p.m. Tigers (Asia Quest)
1:30 p.m. Bonobos (Congo Expedition)
3:30 p.m. Otters (Australia and the Islands)
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact, annually contributing privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
