Knoxville Zoo is celebrating Earth Day by throwing a Party for the Planet™. This conservationthemed bash takes place on Friday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Knoxville Zoo joins more than 100 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) across the country highlighting the initiatives that make our planet a more sustainable place to live.

Party-goers can learn about the zoo's conservation efforts with red pandas, reptiles, otters, chimpanzees and red wolves during keeper chats scheduled throughout the day. The zoo's new Animals in Action show has begun for the spring and will take place at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Party for the Planet™ will also be attended by organizations that are making a positive environmental impact in our area, including Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Knoxville Recycling Coalition, Knox County Air Quality Management and United Mountain Defense who will be on-site to share information about how they are making a difference locally.

Party for the Planet™ is a showcase for the fine art of recycling; the Recycled Art Project will feature works of art created by elementary and middle school students out of reused and recyclable materials that will be displayed during the event. The Barrel Project will showcase the original artwork of high school students on conservation-themed recycling bins throughout zoo grounds to promote recycling. Knoxville Zoo will also be collecting cell phones and printer cartridges for recycling.

The Party for the Planet™ celebration is included as part of general zoo admission. For more information call 865-637-5331, or visit the zoo's web site at www.knoxville-zoo.org.

Knoxville Zoo is Knoxville's largest year-round attraction. Located off exit 392A from Interstate 40, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Currently, the zoo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. Nextday admission is free after 3 p.m. For more information, please call 865-637-5331 ext. 300 or visit www.knoxvillezoo.org.