Brookfield Zoo Holds Earth Day Celebration

BROOKFIELD, IL — Brookfield Zoo will host its annual Party for the Planet celebration on Sunday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to the zoo, the day is full of environmentally-friendly activities, which are presented by energySMART, a Nicor Gas program, and features animal Zoo Chats, recycling and planting opportunities, and an Eco Expo, where guests can learn easy tips to help save the planet.

The zoo said at 11 a.m., zoogoers can join the grounds staff in planting a tree on the south mall. Additionally, between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. guests can assist in planting pansies in containers outside Hamill Family Play Zoo. While there, you can pick up an oak sapling and acorn seeds to take home and plant.

During Zoo Chats, experts will discuss how everyone can make a positive difference for the Earth and its animals, the zoo said. Guests can head over to Great Bear Wilderness at 11 a.m. for a talk about bears. At 12:15 p.m., staff will share stories about the animals who reside at Pinniped Point. On the south side of the Carousel at 1:30 p.m., guests can meet one of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. Finally at 2:30 p.m., venture over to the north side of the Pachyderm Building to learn about the black rhino.

At the Eco Expo, representatives from more than 20 organizations and companies will be on hand to chat with zoogoers about ways to be ecofriendly, the zoo said. Those attending include: Illinois Environmental Council; Citizens Utility Board; Friends of the Forest Preserves; Downers Grove Park District; Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens; Dunes Learning Center; The Anti-Cruelty Center; Harper College Biology Club; Metropolitan Water Reclamation District; Student Conservation Association; Campton Township Open Space; Illinois Green Alliance; and the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

The zoo will also be offering free parking in its main north lot, located at 8400 31st Street (First Avenue and 31st Street) in Brookfield, to guests who bring in at least one approved item to recycle between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Items being collected include office equipment and products, small home appliances, home entertainment electronics, backpacks, bedspreads and quilts, sheets, blankets, belts, clothing items, curtains, handbags, hats, paired shoes, plush toys, sofa covers, tote bags, and towels and washcloths.

The zoo said it will also have a drop box for electronic items such as cell phones, cell phone accessories, pagers, hand-held electronic games, e-readers, laptops, iPods, iPads, tablets, and MP3 players, which will be sent to Eco-Cell for recycling.

Party for the Planet activities are free with general zoo admission of $21.95 for adults and $15.95 for children 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and over. Children 2 and under are free.

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