Today, my family and I attended Los Angeles Zoo’s World Elephant Day weekend event. World Elephant Day, August 12th, is an international spotlight on Asian and African elephants that spreads awareness of the urgent threat of their extinction. We attended special events and activities, available to the public only once a year.
L.A. Zoo is home to four Asian elephants, in an exhibit area called “Elephants of Asia.” There are three females: Tina, Jewel, Shaunzi; and one male: Billy.
Barn Tour
From 11:00am to 3:00pm, the elephant care staff and volunteers offered tours of the massive barn. We lined up early, which was smart, considering it was a hot day. On our tour, we saw: Billy the Elephant, their living quarters, food, scales, and poop! We learned that the L.A. Zoo takes the 1200 pounds of poop produced daily by the elephants to a composting facility in Griffith Park to be turned into mulch! L.A. Zoo elephants love melons!
Billy the Elephant
On our tour, we met Billy the Elephant. He is the male elephant at the zoo and enjoys: dipping in the pools, foraging for food, and playing with firehoses, street sweeper brushes, and balls. He’s lived at the L.A. Zoo since the age of four and is now 33. Together with his barn-mates, he is cared for by zoologists, veterinarians, and animal care experts.
Education Stations
“Trunks as Tools” Education Station
My daughter learned about the different ways elephants use their trunks as tools! Similar to human tools such as snorkel, tongs, fly swatters, and more!
ADOPT Station
For those who want to help save endangered species, such as the Asian elephant, a booth is set up with more information. With a minimum $35 donation, you will receive a free elephant plush!
Conservation Crafts
Crafts included making a small elephant head using recycled materials. Also, Make and Imprint on Conservation craft of putting your fingerprint on a paper which is a promise to help the zoo’s efforts to conserve.
Author and conservation advocate Erin Chang, author of children’s book Seven Toes
We met the author Erin Chang and illustrator Bella of the book, “Seven Toes.” It was created by three 15-year old girls who wanted to make something to help save the elephants. This charitable book raises money to benefit charitable causes that rescue elephants from peril.
Visit The L.A. Zoo’s World Elephant Day
Saturday and Sunday, August 11 – 12, 2018, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Barn tours conclude at 3 p.m.
Location: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
All activities are free with paid Zoo admission, which is $21 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $18 for seniors (ages 62+), and $16 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under age two. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free. Free parking is available.
Website: https://www.lazoo.org/worldelephantday/
The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing 1.8 million visitors each year, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare and has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife.
https://www.lazoo.org
Disclosure: Westside Mommy received media passes to cover this event. All opinions are honest and 100% my own. Westside Mommy supports the conservation of wildlife.
