Enjoy fun activities at the zoo during the family festivities on April 20-21. (photo by Jamie Pham/GLAZA)

The Los Angeles Zoo presents “Wild for the Planet,” a weekend event in observance of Earth Day featuring exciting and educational programming promoting wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability on April 20 and 21, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Wild for the Planet” offers interactive activities, live entertainment, book readings, animal presentations, an Earth Expo and inspiring presentations that highlight the importance of protecting the planet’s diverse ecosystems and species. All programming is free with paid daytime zoo admission and for zoo members.

At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days, guests can gain insight into global wildlife conservation efforts through animal care presentations, showcasing the expertise of zoo staff in animal biology, behavior and nutrition. The Stroll the Earth Expo will connect visitors with conservation and community organizations to discover how to defend natural resources and promote biodiversity. Engage with education stations such as Great Apes and Wildlife Corridors, which provide an opportunity for guests to learn about great apes, landscape fragmentation and the zoo’s conservation efforts. Interactive activities such as hands-on Planting for Pollinators and the Upcycling Inspiration Lab offer fun, no-waste activities for families. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Beekeepers Association will offer honey tasting for an additional fee.

On April 20, enjoy “I’m Getting a Shark!” with author and illustrator Brady Smith. On April 21, don’t miss “Buffalo Fluffalo” story readings with Emmy-nominated writer Bess Kalb. Live performances by the environmentally conscious rap group 3rd Rock Hip Hop, along with meet-and-greet sessions with Earth Mascots “3rd Rock” and his sister “Lil Rock,” will be held on both days.

The zoo’s new Project Pollinator HQ, an area that has been reimagined to host educational programming about native plants, wildlife and how to help them thrive, will offer planting demonstrations and engaging talks. On April 20 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., attend “Nature’s Remedy: Native Plants for Wildlife and Wellness,” a talk with master gardener Stephen Reid. Join T’Essence Minnitee, of Outdoor Afro, on April 20 from 1-2 p.m. for a transformative lecture on the power of nature. Outdoor Afro is dedicated to celebrating and fostering Black connections and leadership in the natural world.

Recycle unwanted handheld electronics at the L.A. Zoo through ECO-CELL to support conservation nonprofits Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education, which is dedicated to safeguarding the critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla. People who donate will be entered to win a family membership.

The zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park. All programming is free with paid daytime admission and free for zoo members. For information, visit lazoo.org/wildfortheplanet.