Last Sunday, my family and I were special guests of the Los Angeles Zoo, for their special Wild for the Planet event. This year’s annual event is extra special, as it’s the Los Angeles Zoo’s 50th birthday! Wild for the Planet puts a spotlight on conservation the entire month, and runs from April 22 (Earth Day) to May 19th (Endangered Species Day). Weekend activities include informative, educational, and entertaining activities, shows, and presentations. Here’s some things to check out:

ZooLAbration! Acrobat Show

This high energy, acrobatic performance was so much fun to watch. They dance, bounce, and recycle!

Here’s a clip from my audience view:

Earth Expo

Earth Expo features a variety of eco-partners, including:

• Bee Catchers Inc.
• Bolsa Chica Conservancy
• LA Stormwater Public Education Program
• Earthwatch
• Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific
• Channel Islands National Park Service
• Heal the Bay
• Theodore Payne Foundation
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Farm Fresh to You
• Los Angeles County Fire Department-Forestry Department
• River Rover
• Ranger Troca

It’s a great place to learn about conservation resources available and places to volunteer. Get all your eco questions answered here from experts in the field. We enjoyed learning about how worms help with composting.

Make your Planet Promise

Even though California is no longer in a drought, I still want to continue my efforts to use less water. I also want to eat more plants and try to have more meatless days during the week.

Education Stations

Be sure to check out the Education Stations on the weekends! Great for elementary school aged children, they can learn about Caring for Our Oceans (featuring Seafood Watch) at Sea Life Cliffs, or Planting for Pollinators in Eucalyptus Grove.

Disneynature’s Born in China

Stop by the Disneynature Born in China booth to get your scavenger hunt card. Learn about some of the Los Angeles Zoo’s animals native to China on your hunt, where you stamp your card for designated animals. Return it to the booth for a cool prize!

Other things to check out during Wild for the Planet

• Special animal feedings and keeper talks at 1 and 2 pm
• Conservation Stations throughout the grounds spotlighting efforts to protect and restore species in the Zoo’s care
• Environmental superhero Ricky Raccoon puppet show which teaches how to make a positive impact on the environment (presented by Swazzle)
• Planting for Pollinators Station highlighting the importance of pollinators and providing the opportunity to plant California poppies and yarrow, plants native to California, to attract pollinators
• Nature journaling station

Other cool things to see at the Los Angeles Zoo

Condor Discovery Room

I’ve been to the Los Angeles Zoo several times, but this was my first visit to the Condor Discovery Room. It’s often overlooked because of it’s location (as you enter the zoo, it’s in a building on your far right). I’m so glad we learned about it, because it’s an awesome space! One side is set up like an interactive medical space – with computer work stations, lab coats, and condor hand puppets like the ones used to feed baby condors. The other side is also interactive, but modeled after a condor’s environment – with giant eggs you can climb into, a tent, condor “vest” costumes, sand, and more! Check out the short video below I shot of the space:

The Tree across from the Giraffes

Judging by the size of the tree and it’s amazing roots, it’s been there for awhile. I have no idea why I’ve never noticed it before, but I was truly captivated. Across from the giraffe exhibit is this large tree with spectacular roots. I noticed it because there were several children climbing on it, and a few people enjoying the view. It’s definitely an Instagrammable spot, which makes it one of my favorite places at the zoo!

Stay tuned for my post about The Los Angeles Zoo’s 50th Birthday event & Parties at the Zoo!

Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Website: lazoo.org

Wild For the Planet (April 22, 2017 – May 19, 2017)

Address: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90027

Disclaimer: Westside Mommy was not compensated for this post. We were guests of the zoo and received complimentary admission in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own.