Search ErieReader.com
DonateBest of ErieTicketsAdvertiseDistributionIssuesAboutContactEventsNewsletter
Close
Donate!
Best of Erie 2025
The Reader Beat
Tickets
Newsletter Signup
Erie Reader Business Quarterly
City Guide
Events
Opinion
Features
Issues Archive
Events Calendar
Advertise
More
Arts & Culture
Business
Columns
Community
Environment
Film
From the Editors
Gem City Style
Local, Original Comics
Music Reviews
News & Politics
Recipes
Sports
Theater
Distribution Locations
About Us
Contact Us
Issue Archives
Internship Opportunities
Write for Us
Share:
Spotlight Events

Party for the Planet at the Erie Zoo

All-in-one extravaganza honors the Earth

by Ally Kutz
View ProfileRSS Feed
May 15, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Jessica Hunter Photography
Help raise awareness about endangered species, raise funding for the conservation work of the Erie Zoo, and explore the newly constructed butterfly garden all at the upcoming Party for the Planet event.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

Join the Erie Zoo this month to celebrate Earth and all those who inhabit it with their annual event, Party for the Planet. Started by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Party for the Planet is a nationally celebrated event that brings together three internationally celebrated days: Earth Day, World Oceans Day, and Endangered Species Day.

The focus of Party for the Planet is to celebrate not only the planet that we inhabit, but also all the species that we share the space with, learning how to better provide for both these species and the Earth.

The Erie Zoo will be celebrating on zoo grounds alongside other conservation and green-minded organizations from around the Erie area including: Asbury Woods, Presque Isle State Park, newBin, TREX Recycling, Lake Erie Arboretum (LEAF), and the Purple Martin Conservation Association. Each organization is ready to party alongside event-goers and will have stations located throughout the grounds to educate visitors about their green-minded and conservational efforts within the Erie community and beyond.

The zoo will have their own stations as well, with employees and volunteers offering interactive opportunities for guests to learn about endangered species, composting, the importance of recycling, and the horticultural team's role at the Erie Zoo. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to purchase their very own zoo-grown tomato or pepper plants to start their own gardens at home.

Debuting at the event will be the zoo's newest interactive exhibit, the Amazing Butterfly Experience. Visitors will be able to enter a tent full of plants and different species of butterflies, including painted ladies, monarchs, red admirals, and black swallowtails. For a small fee, guests will also be able to purchase special food to feed the butterflies.

Donations to conservation efforts can be made on the day of the party by participating in the Party for the Planet raffle or by purchasing an Erie Zoo button in the orangutan building. 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. // Event included in price of admission or with Erie Zoo Membership // Rain or shine // For more information: eriezoo.org

Party for the PlanetErie ZooButterfly Garden

Featured Events

Today Tomorrow This Weekend

The Shark Is Broken

Performing Arts
May. 16th, 6:17 PM

FRESCO's Disco Funk Pre-Summer Party

Music
May. 16th, 6:17 PM

Annual Community Seedling Swap

Hobbies & Interests
May. 17th, 6:17 PM to 2 PM

Annual Community Seedling Swap/Sale

Outdoors & Recreation
May. 17th, 6:17 PM to 2 PM

The Downtown Edinboro Art & Music Festival

Music
May. 17th

Submit Your Event   View Calendar

May 2026: Summer Preview
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 5
View Past Issues
In This Issue
Erie Reader Business Quarterly
« Download PDF
View Articles »
Erie Reader Best of Erie City Guide 2023-2024

Popular This Week

COVID-19 Cases Rise Slightly In Erie County, Across Country

xRepresentx, Vice, Counterfeit, Cop Torture at BT

Ludacris Shows Behrend Some Southern Hospitality

Best of Erie 2014 Finalists

Hangin' Out at the South Pier

Related Articles

Erie Roller Derby Trivia Night at Voodoo Brewing

by Edwina Capozziello5/14/2026, 8:00 AM
Roll on up to reopened brewery for raffles, prizes, food, and fun

Erie Reader Book Club: May 2026

by Ally Kutz5/13/2026, 8:00 AM
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich

WhatARTu Doing on May 16?

by Gretchen Gallagher-Durney5/12/2026, 8:00 AM
Come see array of art and support Opened Eyes

PACA's May Production The Shark is Broken Has Emotional Bite

by Cara Suppa5/11/2026, 8:00 AM
We're gonna need a bigger boat (or a smaller theater)

Erie Philharmonic Performs Britten's War Requiem

by Thomas Taylor5/8/2026, 9:00 AM
Junior Philharmonic and Youth Chorale join for poignant reflections

Divas by the Decade

by Cassandra Gripp5/7/2026, 10:00 AM
Seth Rudetsky closes out this MIAC Live season
Member of Reporters Shield
© 2026 Great Lakes Online Media
PO Box 10963  //  Erie, PA 16514
Terms of Use Privacy Policy