The Los Angeles Zoo presents World Elephant Day Weekend, two days of opportunities to explore and learn about elephants, especially the challenges they face in the wild, on Saturday, August 13 and Sunday August 14, 2016, 10 am to 4 pm.
In celebration of World Elephant Day (August 12), an international spotlight on Asian and African elephants to bring attention to the urgent threat of their extinction. World Elephant Day Weekend activities highlight the Zoo's state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia exhibit with chances to learn about its three elephant residents and how they're cared for, including tours of their barn from 11 am to 3 pm. A “medical clinic” invites young guests to bring their toy elephants for an "examination," including a "certificate of health"; conservation craft and enrichment stations; photo ops; and more, all free with paid Zoo admission. In addition, Zoo guests can show support for protection of elephants by striking a pose at the Wildlife Conservation Society's 96 Elephants #ElephantYogaChallenge station, part of a worldwide effort to raise awareness and support for elephants. 96 Elephants is named for the number killed every day in Africa for their ivory.
The L.A. Zoo's Elephants of Asia underscores the rich connection between elephants and the cultures of Thailand, India, China, and Cambodia. With elements dedicated to the health and welfare of elephants, the habitat features bathing pools, sandy hills, varied topography, enrichment opportunities, and a state-of-the-art barn capable of accommodating elephants of all ages.
The exhibit, which opened in 2010, illustrates the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild, including shrinking natural habitat, and provides the opportunity to directly contribute to conservation programs that support elephants in their native countries. Elephant conservation efforts have been made possible through the Zoo’s partnership with the Cambodia Elephant Conservation Group that works to preserve the Asian elephant population in Cambodia.
The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing 1.75 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered. Its lush grounds on 113 acres feature the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo; one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world; a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants; and much more.
Admission to the Los Angeles Zoo is $20 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $17 for seniors (ages 62+), and $15 for children (ages 2 to 12).. No ticket is required for children under 2. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.
The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles' Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Free parking is available. For additional information about World Elephant Day Weekend, call (323) 644-6001 or visit http://www.lazoo.org/worldelephantday/. For general information about the Zoo, call (323) 644-4200.
