World Elephant Day, an international spotlight on Asian and African elephants to bring attention to the urgent threat of their extinction, kicks off the Los Angeles Zoo’s World Elephant Day Celebration on Saturday, August 12 and Sunday, August 13, 2017, 10 am to 4 pm. The full weekend of opportunities to explore and learn about elephants, especially the challenges they face in the wild, highlight the Zoo’s state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia exhibit with chances to learn about its four elephant residents, including Tina, Jewel, Billy and recently arrived Shaunzi, and how they’re cared for. Fascinating behind-the-scenes barn tours, available to the public only once a year, take place from 11 am to 3 pm each day.
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The Los Angeles Zoo’s state-of-the-art elephant Elephants of Asia habitat, which opened in December 2010, is the largest habitat in the history of the Zoo. The sprawling exhibit, located at the very heart of the Zoo, is 6.56 acres, with over three acres of outdoor space, deep bathing pools, sandy hills, varied topography, clever enrichment opportunities, and a high-tech barn capable of caring for elephants of all sizes and ages. Elephants of Asia focuses on the rich connection between elephants and the cultures of Thailand, India, China, and Cambodia. The exhibit familiarizes guests with the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild, including their shrinking habitat, and gives visitors the opportunity to directly contribute to conservation programs that support elephants in their native countries.

World Elephant Day Celebration is part of the Zoo’s year-long 50th Anniversary “ZooLAbration.” Children are invited to bring their toy elephant (or other favorite stuffy) to receive a “certificate of health.” Visit the website to find out more about the yearlong “ZooLAbration,” the 50th anniversary of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ opening at its current location.

Admission to the Los Angeles Zoo is $21 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $18 for seniors (ages 62+), and $16 for children (ages 2 to 12)..  No ticket is required for children under 2.  Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.

What: World Elephant Day
Where: The Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park
When: August 12 and August 13, 2017, 10 am to 4 pm
Website: http://www.lazoo.org/worldelephantday/