OUR WORLD | SALISBURY ZOO | EARTH DAY | DONNE TEMPO

Celebrate the Earth at the Salisbury Zoo!

By Cyndi Johnson

Looking for an affordable and fun family outing? Feeling a tad overwhelmed by the blatant consumer gluttony encouraged by many family oriented adventures? Dreaming of reconnecting with our magnificent earth and the many creatures she nurtures?

It’s time to visit the Salisbury Zoo (www.salisburyzoo.org) in Salisbury on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. One of the few FREE zoos in the country, the Salisbury Zoo is dedicated to increasing people’s awareness and respect for wildlife and conservation efforts. Indeed, this small zoo gives $20,000 a year to education conservation projects!

Salisbury Zoo visit
At the recent “Party for the Planet” hosted by the AZA (American Zoos and Aquariums) the Salisbury Zoo hosted thirty-seven different environmental exhibitors, in addition to the many demonstrations offered by zoo personnel. Children were given scavenger hunt cards upon arrival, and had to visit the many different educational exhibits to answer the questions and thus earn their treasure! There’s something about a small person eagerly asking, “How much of the world’s water is drinkable?” that warms the soul. (The answer is 1%, by the way!)

Also on hand were members of the Lenopehauken People to bless the opening of the Richard and Patricia Hazel Trail and the new red wolf exhibit. The wolves are settling nicely into their new home and are most active in the morning and evening – and are quick to add their howls to passing sirens!


Zoo employee Mary Seemann introduced us to many of her favorite animals, including a turtle that swims up to greet you, much like an eager puppy! (personalized zoo tours are available to groups for $2 - $3 per person). Our favorite tidbit? Did you know that flamingos are actually NOT pink or salmon colored? They get their color from their food! Purple flamingos, anyone???

Several owls were out with their handlers, including the small Screech owl (which looks more like a stuffed toy!) and the Spectacled owl from South America. There was even a small wild owl lost in the wonderful playground right outside of the zoo that was quickly rescued by zoo personnel!

This Spectacled Owl looks cranky at the Salisbury Zoo
The park is shaded and level – and therefore wheelchair and stroller friendly! There is a gift shop, drinking fountain, vending machine and a real bathroom! (because the only thing WORSE than using a porta-potty is using one with small children!)

All in all, the Salisbury Zoo is perfect for a quick stroll, an afternoon excursion or an all day event (there are picnic tables and grills outside of the zoo). Sign up for the children’s educational activities this spring and maybe even participate in Night of the Living Zoo – the Halloween event that helps raise money for the zoo’s upkeep and funds their conversation efforts.

You can help the Salisbury Zoo preserve and protect our earth in several ways. Become a “Friend of the Zoo” ($45 for a family membership) and receive admission to over 120 zoos and aquariums nationwide as well as free admission to Salisbury Zoo events and 25% off at the gift store. You can sponsor an animal and thus directly provide food and shelter for the animal of your choice for one year. Best yet – you can get involved in one of the many conservation efforts promoted by the zoo to ensure that generations to come enjoy the same bountiful earth.

Visit the Salisbury Zoo. It’s a gift you give yourself!

Party for the Planet with AZA, April 19 -27

Party for the Planet with AZA, April 19 -27

By Cyndi Johnson

Mother Earth has almost completed a full turn around the sun as she nears her April 22nd Earth Day of Celebration.

In honor of Mother Earth, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA - http://www.aza.org) will be throwing a weeklong celebration at more than two-hundred zoos and aquariums. The AZA, a non-profit organization dedicated in 1924, is a leader in global wildlife conservation providing a link between animal, human and the thousands of creatures that live in native habitats around the world. The AZA works to inform the public about the amazing educational opportunities and resources accredited zoos and aquariums offer the community.

If you haven’t visited an accredited zoo or aquarium lately – DO IT – you’ll be amazed!

North American Amphibian Monitoring Program
“Zoos have transformed themselves into modern centers of education and conservation.” says Steve Feldman, spokesperson for the AZA. “Every accredited zoo and aquarium has an education department run by highly trained educators. They engage in conservation education year round. This year, The Year of the Frog, we’re drawing attention to amphibian conservation.”

It’s a timely message. At least one third of the world’s frogs are threatened with extinction. Today’s accredited zoos and aquariums offer an abundance of information, activities and conservation efforts to encourage us – and our children – to both appreciate and protect these amazing amphibians.

What better day than Earth Day to reconnect with our environment?

Join AZA’s annual Party for the Planet and celebrate the Year of the Frog! Accredited zoos and aquariums all across the country are preparing to party.

In Maryland, the Salisbury Zoo is hosting its Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19th from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Join them for food, educational activities, zookeeper talks, live entertainment and more! Children can participate in an on-going scavenger hunt and other fun activities throughout the day. Also join the Lenapehauken Native Americans as they perform a blessing for the official opening of the Richard and Patricia Hazel Delmarva Trail at 2:00 pm. Enjoy their Native American village and traditional fry bread!

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is hosting a two day party:
  • Saturday, April 19th – 10 am to 3 pm
  • Sunday, April 20th - 10 am to 3 pm
Earth Day events are included with the price of admission, and include a free photo opportunity with Tyrone, Nickelodeon’s very own Backyardigan! Frogs are the theme of the party, with aquarium divers dressed as their favorite amphibians, free frog face painting, special animal presentations and exhibits and the chance to chat with the Frog Keepers themselves!

Our planet needs our help. Celebrate Earth Day with the AZA and your local accredited zoo or aquarium and learn how you can make a difference!

The frogs are counting on us!

For more information on Party for the Planet events in your neighborhood, visit www.aza.org/promotions/partyplanetlist or call your local zoo or aquarium.