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Explore the wild side and celebrate Visit the Zoo Day - meet fascinating animals, learn something new, and have a fun day out!
Get ready to celebrate Visit the Zoo Day on December 27 by enjoying a day at your local zoo! It's believed that the first public zoo was established in 1752, and since then zoos have been an integral part of our culture. Whether you love observing animals in their natural habitats or learning interesting facts about wildlife, there is something for everyone when visiting a zoo. So grab your pack and head out on December 27th for some fun educational experiences that are sure to be unforgettable!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1752</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World's First Public Zoo</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1752, Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo opened its doors to the public, being recognized as the first publicly accessible zoo in the world.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1826</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of London Zoo</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Zoological Society of London was established in 1826, which would later open the London Zoo as the first scientific zoo.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1874</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Philadelphia Zoo Opens</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Philadelphia Zoo, considered to be the first zoo in the United States, opened its doors in 1874.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of AZA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) was established in 1993, aimed at advancing zoos and public aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Visit the Zoo Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Although there is no specific date for the initiation of Visit the Zoo Day, this special occasion gained particular prominence in the 2010s as part of zoo awareness campaigns around the globe. It is now celebrated on December 27th.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore the zoo</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to your local zoo and explore the different animals and habitats. Pack a picnic lunch or grab some snacks from the concession stand. You can even take a guided tour to learn more about each animal.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend educational programs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many zoos offer special educational programs for both children and adults. Look into what activities are being held that day and join in on the fun.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a safari</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many zoos offer special safaris so you can get an up close and personal look at the animals. Make sure to book ahead of time to ensure you get a spot.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support conservation efforts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit the zoo's conservation center to learn about the organization's efforts to protect endangered species around the world. Donate or purchase a membership to show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Look into volunteering opportunities at the zoo, such as helping with animal enrichment activities, cleaning enclosures, and more. It's a great way to give back while spending the day with animals.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Seeing wildlife up close</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Going to the zoo allows us to get up close and personal with animals we may not have the chance to view in their natural habitats. We get to observe these amazing creatures in their enclosures, learn about them from knowledgeable zookeepers, and take away lessons about conservation of our planet’s wildlife.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supporting animal rescue efforts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Many zoos are responsible for conserving species that are threatened or endangered. By visiting the zoo, we are helping to support these valiant efforts which often involve rescuing or rehabilitating animals. It's a great way to educate ourselves on global wildlife issues while showing our appreciation for wild animals!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Entertaining for all ages</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Visiting the zoo is an enjoyable experience for people of all ages. Whether you're young or old, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained such as watching educational talks or feeding the animals. Plus, many zoos feature interesting attractions like amusement rides and petting zoos sure to delight kids and adults alike!</p></div></div>
Visit the Zoo Day is celebrated on December 27 every year. In 2024, Visit the Zoo Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Dec 27
Wednesday
2024
Dec 27
Friday
2025
Dec 27
Saturday
2026
Dec 27
Sunday
2027
Dec 27
Monday
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