Zoo has strong message for Endangered Species Day

ATLANTA - Zoo Atlanta invites visitors to take a stand for endangered species, and to learn more about the challenges facing wildlife and wild places around the world, at Endangered Species Day on Saturday, May 21.

Family activities will showcase many of the Zoo’s rarest animal species  of which more than 60 are classified as critically endangered, endangered or threatened and will include an opportunity to view a singular piece of art that symbolizes the power of collective conservation action.

Zoo Atlanta partnered with the Ford Motor Company Fund and Project S.N.A.P. (Share, Nurture, Act, Preserve) to create a giant mosaic mural that promotes the message of choosing only sustainable palm oil. Created using nearly 5,000 individual images, the mural features a lush rainforest inhabited by five species: the blood python, Malayan sun bear, Sumatran orangutan, Sumatran tiger and wreathed hornbill.

The five species depicted in the mural, which will be on view in the Zoo’s Asian Forest on Endangered Species Day, were selected because they are native to Southeast Asia and, like many other animal and plant species, are threatened by the unsustainable production of palm oil.

Endangered Species Day guests will have a Zoo-full of opportunities to learn more about Zoo Atlanta’s conservation efforts while enjoying special activities, educational Keeper Talks; and crafts and games, including a make-your-own-cape activity and Species Saver Stations throughout the Zoo. Other highlights will include meet-and-greets with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo and Raphael; Zhu Zhu the giant panda; Cricket the tree frog; and their animal pals.

Endangered Species Day activities are free for Zoo Atlanta Members; free with general admission.