Earth Day 2025

Celebrate this wonderful planet we all call home.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, and head to the Zoo from 9:30am – 3:00pm for an unforgettable day of discovery, learning, and conservation fun!

This year's event will be centered around coexistence between humans and wildlife. It is more critical than ever that we, as humans, do what we can to ensure a healthy ecosystem and future for all wildlife on our planet. By working together, we can create shared habitats and a harmonious balance that allows people and wildlife to thrive.

🐾 Connect with our incredible conservation partners and local environmental organizations at interactive booths, where you can learn how to protect wildlife and make a difference. Make sure to visit these organizations tabling in the Wayne & Gladys Valley Children's Zoo:

• California Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Center for Biological Diversity
• East Bay Regional Park District
• Felidae Conservation Fund
• International Bird Rescue
• Kaminando Habitat Connectivity Initative
• Lindsay Wildlife Experience
• The Marine Mammal Center
• Mountain Lion Foundation
• Ventana Wildlife Society
• Wild Care
• Working Circle

🎶 Enjoy live animal ambassador programs and a musical performance at the Wildlife Theater!

• 11:00am - Animal Ambassadors
• 12:00pm - Gayle Schmitt & the Toodala Ramblers
• 1:00pm - Animal Ambassadors

🎨 Dive into hands-on crafts and activities perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

• Grab some chalk with our friends Drawing on Earth and add your creativity to our interactive mural! Celebrate nature, animals, and conservation by leaving your mark with colorful drawings and messages. Let’s create something beautiful together!

🍋 Exclusive Earth Day Drink Special - Candied Citrus Lemonade

• Enjoy a refreshing Candied Citrus Lemonade, available only at the Children’s Zoo Snack Stand! This vibrant drink showcases sustainably grown citrus from Bee Sweet Citrus, a local farm leading the way in eco-friendly farming and packing practices—positively impacting both the environment and their workforce. Crafted with zero waste in mind, this lemonade uses the entire fruit—infusing the drink with a house-made citrus simple syrup while transforming the sliced fruit into a delicious candied garnish. Sustainability never tasted so good!

🃏 Trading card fans, don’t miss your chance to collect SIX special edition trading cards at this event!

• Pick-up your exclusive Trading Card Holder at a Guest Services Kiosk
• Collect cards from Zoo staff and volunteers in and around the Children's Zoo
• Make sure to hold on to the holder as we celebrate coexistence with wildlife and release new cards each month in 2025

Join us to celebrate and leave inspired to help protect our planet!

Can't make it for this event or want another opportunity to celebrate Earth Day with action?

Join us on April 22, 2025 , for a hands-on Earth Day Volunteer Event at Oakland Zoo’s Arroyo Viejo Creek! From 8:45am-11:30am or 12:45pm-3:30pm, volunteers (ages 12 and up only) can make a difference by removing invasive plants, picking up litter, spreading mulch, planting native species, and more.

Volunteers receive FREE parking and zoo admission before or after their shift!  

Choose a time that works for you:

🌱 Morning Volunteer Registration (8:45am-11:30am) – Click here to sign up!

🌿 Afternoon Volunteer Registration (12:45pm-3:30pm) – Click here to sign up!