The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens observes African American History Month and African American culture with an exciting celebration at the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8, 2015, 10 am to 4 pm. Programming is co-curated by the research library at the California African American Museum (CAAM) and spotlights the wonderful world of Africa and its animals through; a vibrant array of music and dance entertainment; crafts; and animal feedings, keeper talks and up-close visits with small animals. Enjoy food from Ragin Cajun, Sista Soul Food and Peaches Food Trucks offering authentic ethnic food.
This African American History observance weekend also includes; photographs of paintings, sculptures, masks and head dresses depicting animals displayed next to their inspirations (or similar animals) and other figurative art from CAAM’s collection with information and a QR code through which to access more via the STORY app. Check out special performances by the Lula Washington Dance Theatre from 10:30 to 11:30 am both days; by Michael D. McCarty, Storyteller – Have Mouth. Will Run It! from 12 noon to 1 pm both days; by African Soul, the African dance company, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm both days; and by blues band Leo Key & The Company from 3:15 to 4 pm both days.
Families can participate in Feedings of the Zoo’s hippos (including baby Rosie) from 12:30 pm both days, Enjoy keeper talks at the okapi at 11 am and the giraffe at 2 pm both days, with Animals & You stations at several spots in the Zoo, providing up-close visits with small animals. Aspiring zoologists can discover fun factoids at two educational activity stations such as how many neck vertebrae a giraffe has and how a zebra’s stripes provide camouflage. Little ones can also enjoy craft projects throughout the weekend, as well as, craft workshops by artist Teresa Tolliver from 11 am to 1 pm both days.
All activities (except food purchases) are free with paid Zoo admission, which is $19 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $16 for seniors (ages 62+), and $14 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under 2. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.
The LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Free parking is available. For additional information, contact (323) 644-4200 or visit www.lazoo.org
