Check out some photos from Scout Day!

The Zoo hosted Scout Day yesterday, where families could check out a variety of stations run by local scouting groups. We had a great day for it too – despite being a little on the cool side, the sun was out, which is always better than rain. Check out a slideshow from the event below:

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An action-packed Earth weekend

We had a fabulous turnout for our Earth Day celebration today despite the rain – families had a wonderful time participating in our Endangered Species Scavenger Hunt, the Great Diaper Exchange, WXXI’s Dinosaur Train‘s Scavenger Hunt as well as listening to our E.C.C.O. Leadership Program students present their community service project. Check out some photos below! (Photos by Kelli O’Brien)

Our docent-run Endangered Species Scavenger Hunt is meant to be a fun way to inspire you to take action and protect our environment and its endangered species. A total of seven species – Bornean orangutan, snow leopard, white rhino, radiated tortoise, Amur tiger, African penguin and polar bear — were featured in the scavenger hunt. With a little help from our docent team, fact sheets and special Biofacts for learning, visitors got a stamp at each of these seven stations which they then turned in for a special prize!

Kids also had the chance to meet the coolest dinosaur in town — Buddy the Dinosaur of WXXI’s Dinosaur Train! Each child had the chance to meet and have their picture taken with Buddy, join the Nature Trackers Club and seek out our Zoo residents with ties to animals that roamed the planet during the time of the dinosaurs. They also took home a cool prize at the end of the day.

Our Education, Conservation and Community Opportunities (E.C.C.O.) Leadership Program students showcased their community service projects, which focused on North American river otter conservation, among other stations.

The Great Diaper Exchange took place at the Zoo as well; families in attendance with diaper-clad babies were invited to a designated spot in the Zoo to attempt to break the world record for number of babies being changed into an eco-friendly reusable diaper all at the same time. A variety of green baby products were also on display by local vendors.

We had a total of 44 babies that helped out with this record attempt. Other site numbers are still being tallied, so check out Luvaboos’ Web site for results!

Next up is our Go Green! Recycle Rally tomorrow (April 22), taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Zoo’s parking lot. Click here for details!

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