Wild World Weekend

Two-day cultural heritage festival will feature dance, music, storytelling and more on July 27 and 28.

WHAT:
Travel the globe at the fourth-annual Wild World Weekend, the signature two-day cultural heritage festival at Zoo Atlanta, on Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28. The event will highlight the cultures and biodiversity of Africa, Asia and the Pacific and the Americas with live performances, demonstrations, family activities and more.

Saturday, July 27: Get into the spirit of Bollywood with Indian Fusion group Moksha Dance, and be transported to Indonesia through the dances of Sanggar Lestari. Watch the colorful authentic dances of Rosa Bulgaria Atlanta. See stories come to life with the music and movements of Alma Mexicana Atlanta, and enjoy the music makers, story weavers and dream keepers of Kuumba Storytellers. Experience the beauty of traditional Chinese ribbon dancing with Atlanta Historic Dance. Feel the island breeze with the melodic sounds of steel drum performers.

Sunday, July 28: Hear a collection of Chinese folk songs performed by Spring Music School. Enjoy an interactive Flamenco presentation with Calo Gitano Atlanta, and learn a few new steps with ¡Flamenco! Presented by Berdolé. Experience the excitement of traditional African dances with Giwayen Mata. Take a quick vacation to the islands of Hawaii and Tahiti with the vibrant Polynesian dances of Dawn Mahealani Douglas, and dance, sing, and clap along to the upbeat sounds of Mountain Top Polka Band. Listen to captivating tales from local storyteller Deborah Strahorn.

Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28: Create your own Origami and paper crafts with the experts from The Japan-American Society of Georgia. Romp with the Lion Dancers, learn Kung Fu, and enjoy special performances with Chien Hong School of Kung Fu.

Kid-friendly activity stations and crafts will be available on both days of the event. Check the Zoo Atlanta map for information on activities and locations. Wild World Weekend activities are free for Zoo Atlanta Members and children under 3; free with general admission. Plan a visit at zooatlanta.org.

WHEN:                   
Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, 2019  

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 and Communications Specialist
404.624.5980 – office 
gjohnson@zooatlanta.org

ABOUT:                
About Zoo Atlanta
A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include giant pandas, including Ya Lun and Xi Lun, the only giant panda twins in the U.S.; one of North America’s largest zoological populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, home to more than 70 species in the world’s first LEED Gold-certified reptile and amphibian complex. Experiences include behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters with African lions, Aldabra giant tortoises, giant pandas and lemurs. Zoo Atlanta is open year-round with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Keeper Talks, interactive wildlife presentations, education programs and special events run year-round. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.

Opening August 8: the all-new African Savanna, featuring new and expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, warthogs and meerkats. The African Savanna is part of the Zoo’s landmark Grand New View transformation. Future elements include Savanna Hall, a state-of-the-art special event destination, and a new grand entry plaza, opening in early 2020. For more on the Zoo’s mission and conservation programs and partnerships, visit zooatlanta.org/conservation or download the 2018 conservation report, Beyond the Zoo.