A Saturday Of Birds And Blooms

WHAT:

The weekend forecast calls for an abundance of birds and blooms on Saturday, April 23, with two special spring events at Zoo Atlanta.

Zoo Plant Sale: Green thumbs are invited to browse more than 120 species of perennials; trees and shrubs; vines; ornamental grasses; annuals; houseplants; and herbs hand-selected by Zoo Atlanta horticulturists. Members of the Zoo’s Horticulture Team will be on hand for questions and tips, and proceeds benefit the Zoo’s horticulture program.

The Zoo Plant Sale runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Conservation Education Gate at the edge of the Cherokee Avenue parking lot. Zoo admission is not required to shop.

Bird Fest: Zoo Atlanta joins the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local conservation partners in celebrating the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty with a day packed with activities for all ages. Highlights will include a bird “selfie” station; bird karaoke; Birding 101; tips on planting a bird-friendly garden; special Keeper Talks; and more.

Migratory Bird Treaty centennial celebrations provide opportunities to enhance public knowledge of and support for migratory bird conservation programs while empowering people to take simple, everyday actions to protect birds and their roles in their ecosystems.

Bird Fest activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities are free for Zoo Atlanta Members; free with general admission.

Visit zooatlanta.org to learn more about Saturday’s events.

Photo “Great Blue Heron Rising” courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -Tom Koerner.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 23, 2016 Zoo Plant Sale: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bird Fest: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Zoo Atlanta 800 Cherokee Avenue, S.E. Atlanta, GA 30315

CONTACT:

Rachel Davis, Director of Communications

404.624.2812 – office

404.309.2238 – cell

rdavis@zooatlanta.org

Gavin Johnson, Public Relations & Communications Specialist

404.624.5980 – office

gjohnson@zooatlanta.org

About Zoo Atlanta

Viewed as one of the finest zoological institutions in the U.S. and a proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta has a mission to inspire value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family experiences. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with over 1,000 animals from around the world. The Zoo’s newest destination, Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, featuring 60 species in a 111,000 square-foot complex, opened in April 2015. Zoo collection highlights include Mei Lun and Mei Huan, the only giant panda twins in the U.S.; North America’s largest zoological collection of great apes, and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Up-close-and-personal animal experiences include behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters with African elephants, giant pandas, lemurs and Aldabra giant tortoises. Zoo Atlanta is open daily with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Keeper talks, interactive wildlife shows, education programs and special events run year-round. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD.