IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE OUR PLANET! Mayor Greenberg & Louisville Zoo Host Party for the Planet powered by LG&E and KU Foundation

Louisville Zoo Press Release

Mayor Greenberg and The Louisville Zoo announce the return of Party for the Planet: A Monthlong Celebration of the Earth powered by LG&E and KU Foundation.

Throughout April, the Zoo will host a series of weekend activities and discounted admission opportunities to celebrate the wonder of our planet and promote the need to protect it. The month culminates on April 27 with the Zoo’s Earth Day Celebration featuring $5 off general Zoo admission and free parking all day, courtesy of the LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners will be featured throughout the Zoo, providing guests with valuable information on environmental conservation.

“Here at the Zoo, we are BIG fans of the Earth and all her incredible inhabitants,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “Wildlife needs each of us, and being better stewards of our planet benefits us all. Big thanks to LG&E and KU Foundation for making the entire month of festivities possible.”

“Our earth and its resources are precious, and this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them,” said Mary Kate Gray, manager of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs at LG&E and KU. “We’re proud to continue this long-standing partnership with the Zoo to help foster this tradition and a love of the environment within our community.”

Returning for the second year, our “Kids in Action” program invites families and individuals of all ages to participate in environmentally beneficial projects in their own backyards. Participants are asked to choose an activity aligned with conservation efforts. Then, submit photos and explanations of the project. Submissions will be accepted through April 18 with four winners selected through a random drawing. Winners will receive a Zoo prize package and be invited to showcase their projects at the Zoo’s Earth Day Celebration on April 27.  Program information is available by visiting louisvillezoo.org/kids.

For more information about Party for the Planet events and scheduling, see below and visit louisvillezoo.org/earth.

Recycling weekends

Each weekend in April, the Zoo will offer opportunities for community members to help our environment! Organizations and programs that help the air, water, land, and, of course, animals will be featured each of these weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  No admission is required to participate in recycling activities, which will be located outside of the Zoo’s main entrance.

April 5 - Shoe Recycling with WaterStep             

April 6 - Cell phone and tablet recycling with Eco-Cell

April 12 - Drive-through document Shredding with Shred-it

April 13 - Drive-through Prescription Drug Take Back with Louisville Metro Police Department, Councilwoman Raymond and District 10

April 19 - Eyeglass Recycling with Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation

April 20 - Crayon Recycling

Fun Day Mondays

April 7, 14, 21 and 28

Guests can enjoy $8.25 general Zoo admission (parking not included) powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. A $7 parking fee will be added to your order online or charged at the Zoo’s admission windows. Twenty-five cents from every ticket sold supports species survival activities through the Zoo’s conservation work with local, regional, national and global partners such as Monarch Watch, Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, Snow Leopard Trust, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Polar Bears International and the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Program.

Native Plant Sale

Saturday, April 26

Guests can browse a selection of native plants available for purchase just outside of the Zoo’s main entrance from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or while supplies last. All plants will be $8. General Zoo admission is not required to shop the plant sale. 

Earth Day Celebration and Kids in Action showcase

Sunday, April 27

Party for the Planet culminates as the Zoo observes Earth Day with $5 off general Zoo admission and free parking all day powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners and the four Kids in Action project winners will be featured throughout the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission discount is only available at the Zoo’s ticket window on April 27 and is not available in advance or online. 

The popular ZooPoopyDoo and Compost Sales will be taking a break in 2025 with a possible return next year.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 21, 2025, Zoo hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.