Party for the Planet

Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, 2017

Don’t miss this big green party on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21!  The Milwaukee County Zoo’s annual Party for the Planet, sponsored by American Transmission Co. (ATC), is a conservation celebration like no other, combining education and fun while visitors learn about the need to save the planet’s resources for future generations.

Highlights include:

• MIGRATION GAME
  Travel through the Zoo as a bird (a wood thrush) as you search for food and suitable nesting ground.  You’ll face hardships just like migrating birds do in the wild.  Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions; the last migration departs at 2:10 p.m.
• AMERICAN TRANSMISSION CO. (ATC)
  We can all do our part to help the environment and the pollinators, so let’s REV it up! Be sure to stop at the ATC table and play our pollinator games to learn more. Get your Grow Smart® planting guide and liatris seeds for attracting your own pollinators.
• ZOOMOBILE NATURE TOUR
  Hop aboard our environmentally-friendly tram for a free conservation tour!  Tickets available at the Meijer Zoomobile booth.  Limited seating; weather permitting.
• AVIARY POND
  Become a bird watcher and identify the different birds living around our scenic pond.
• GET CLIMBING!
  The Wisconsin Arborist Association will lead a fun tree-climbing activity for the kiddos!
• SEAFOOD WATCH PROGRAM
  Celebrate ocean awareness and learn how to make sustainable seafood choices.  Color the fish back into the sea!
• BETTER BAG CHALLENGE
  Learn about the effect that plastic waste has on our ocean and the animals who live there.  Take the “Better Bag Challenge” and pledge to reduce your disposable plastic bag consumption by using recyclable bags.  The first 100 people to take the pledge each day will receive a free reusable canvas tote bag with the Zoo logo!
• HELP RESTORE OUR BUTTERFLY GARDEN (ATC)
  Children can plant native species alongside horticulturist Melinda Myers, creating a beautiful, living butterfly garden to attract pollinators for years to come.
• ALL ABOUT THE ANIMALS
  The Zoo’s animal collection is at the heart of Party for the Planet and offers many opportunities to learn how we can protect Earth’s important animal species.  Rhino zookeepers will discuss the animals in their care and the ways you can help to make sure their wild counterparts are here for generations to come.

Visitors can purchase paintings created by the rhinos as part of the Zoo’s enrichment program, and even take a behind-the-scenes tour of the rhino stall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (suggested donation: $1).

You don’t want to miss these eco-friendly activities to learn how we can all contribute to creating a healthier environment for all living things on the planet!  Party for the Planet activities are free with regular Zoo admission.  For additional information, contact the Zoo’s Marketing and Communications Department at 414.256.5466.