Celebrating all things Planet Earth

Utica Zoo visitors are invited to the annual Party for the Planet and learn more about the people helping it.

Join the Utica Zoo to celebrate all things Planet Earth at the annual Party for the Planet on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors to the zoo will be able to learn more about several local organizations whose work is helping conserve natural resources and keep Earth clean. Adirondack Watershed Institute, Mohawk Valley Water Authority, OHSWA, Confidata, Energetix, NYSERDA, Peregrine Falcon Watch, and more will be on-hand to help visitors learn more about what they do and how they can help at home.

Zoo staff will also conduct animal meet and greets throughout the day.

There will also be free paper shredding by Empire Recycling from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors are also encouraged to bring empty printer cartridges, old cell phones, bottles, and cans for the zoo’s recycling drive. The first 50 visitors receive a free pine sapling to plant at home.

Brian Mulkerne and Ken McConnel Jr. will perform live music.

Party for the Planet is included with regular zoo admission. The zoo will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. with festivities beginning at 11 a.m.

This is the first year the event will hold the Party for the Planet name. Party for the Planet is a series of events supported by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums throughout the 236 individual institutions who have earned accreditation.

“In past years, we have always celebrated Earth Day around the same time of year. But now that we are AZA-accredited, we are able to join in on the fun that is taking place all over the country,” said Education Program Coordinator Kathleen McGill. “AZA has helped provide valuable resources and information to better educate our community and our sponsors make it possible to provide a fun and educational community event for visitors of all ages.”

For more information, visit UticaZoo.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @uticazoo.