March 30, 2023
“Electronic April” at Zoo offers Free Admission
Guests recycling a small electronic receive free admission in April 2023
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Gorillas are on the line; answer the call! The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is pleased to present “Electronic April,” which offers free daytime admission through the month of April for guests who bring small electronics to the Zoo to recycle. This program is offered in cooperation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) conservation program.
To promote this initiative, the Pittsburgh Zoo will offer one free general daytime admission through the month of April for one of the following devices, in any condition:
- Cell phones (any age)
- Tablets and eReaders
- Smart watches (Apple/Android)
- Digital cameras
- MP3 players
- GPS devices
- Handheld gaming devices
Guests presenting a small electronic at admission gates immediately receive one free admission per listed device on their day of arrival in April, as well as a 10% off coupon for Zoo retail items valid for the day of their visit.
Guests may bring more than one device and receive one admission for each device, though devices cannot be rain checked for alternate days or times. Laptops are not accepted. Guests may also bring associated cords and power cables for recycling, but a listed small electronic device must be present for free admission.
“This program is a win for everyone,” says Ron Gruca, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Chief Advancement Officer. “It welcomes our neighbors to the Zoo in an accessible manner and it promotes our mission of conservation. It falls in April, which includes Earth Day, and it supports gorillas, including our resident newborn gorilla.”
The free entry program is only available through April 30, 2023, though guests will be able to continue to bring small electronics and cords to recycle at the Zoo throughout the year to help the environment.
Recycling old electronics raises money to support gorilla conservation initiatives, such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and Wildlife Conservation Society. Additionally, cell phones and other small electronics contain a mineral called coltan, which is being mined in areas which include gorilla habitats in Africa. Recycling small electronics reduces the demand for coltan, which helps protect these native habitats.
The free admission initiative is part of the Zoo’s 125th anniversary celebration, inspiring guests to participate in creating a future for wildlife.