Parks' Theme: Earth Day



Christopher Boyd and Scott Powers | Staff Writers
Orlando Sentinel
April 16, 2007

Earth Day will be celebrated with animals and conservation programs at three Central Florida theme parks this weekend, starting with Disney's Animal Kingdom on Friday.

As part of a national string of events called "Party for the Planet" organized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Animal Kingdom will set up conservation-themed stations, such as an African market, with activities, costumed characters and gifts for children and other visitors. At each location participants will receive a postcard with the stations identified and several conservation steps they can take at home.

Animal Kingdom's Party for the Planet will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Some activities will be repeated Sunday, which is Earth Day.

SeaWorld Orlando is planning a variety of conservation education activities and animal encounters, notably around its Manatee Rescue and alligator areas on Sunday. SeaWorld also is pledging that proceeds from its popular wildlife encounter tours on Sunday will be donated to the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also is hosting an Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Party for the Planet on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Busch Gardens, activities will include special animal appearances, conservation education, craft making and environmentally friendly giveaways.