The Los Angeles Zoo is commemorating World Elephant Day, an international spotlight on Asian and African elephants that spreads awareness of the urgent threat of their extinction, on Aug. 12 with a full weekend of opportunities for exploration, discovery, and fun on Aug. 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

photo by Jamie Pham

The zoo’s World Elephant Day celebration highlights the state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia habitat, with chances to learn about its four elephant residents and how they are cared for, through educational activities and exclusive behind-the-scenes barn tours, which are available to the public just once per year.

Activities include barn tours led by elephant care staff and volunteers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; education stations illustrating how elephants use their dexterous trunks, the differences between Asian and African elephants and the art and science of elephant enrichment; and a “conservation craft” station, where youngsters can make a pocket-sized elephant of their own using recycled materials.

All activities are free with paid zoo admission, which is $21 for general admission (ages 13-61), $18 for seniors (ages 62 and over) and $16 for children (ages 2-12). No ticket is required for children under age 2. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive. For information, visit lazoo.org.