What better way to observe Earth Day than among the planet’s amazing and diverse wildlife at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium? Kick off our Party for the Planet® by celebrating our shared world on Saturday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Party for the Planet®, a series of five conservation-focused events at the Zoo running April through June, offers families unique opportunities to visit their local Association of Zoos & Aquariums-accredited zoo and aquarium, celebrate the Earth’s biodiversity, and learn how they can take action to make a difference.

The Earth Day event on April 25 includes environmental activities, educational presentations, keeper talks, special sapling and seed giveaways, representatives from local conservation organizations, a storytime with Ruby the Zoo’s red panda mascot, and more.

“Everyone is invited to discover ways that people and wildlife can thrive together through this community science platform,” says Vice President of Education & Community Engagement Dr. Jenn Torpie. “Party for the Planet aims to inspire conservation action that families and individuals can do at home with a direct impact on the planet to support healthy habitats.”

Party for the Planet® traditionally includes three events: Earth Day, Endangered Species Day (celebrated on May 15), and World Ocean Day (celebrated on June 8). This year, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium received grant funds from the AZA to enhance our Party for the Planet® offerings with two additional events: a Birds & Branches tree planting class on April 11, where a limited number of registered guests can take direct action planting trees in Highland Park; and Migratory Bird Day, sponsored by Peoples, which will host on-grounds Zoo crafts and activities on May 9. Information about all five events can be found on our Events page.

This year, 13 grant recipients, including the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, received $5,000 each for a total of $65,000 in Party for the Planet® grant funds. Party for the Planet® is supported by the Disney Conservation Fund from Earth Day to World Ocean Day. This Campaign leverages the reach and resources of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to provide family-friendly volunteer and conservation action opportunities that improve our planet. Last year, Party for the Planet® prioritized community partnerships and collaborations, resulting in 96 accredited members partnering with community partners to host activities that engaged over 29,000 adults and 24,000 children, who logged nearly 17,000 volunteer hours.