Eco-Friendly Holiday at the Palm Beach Zoo
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is announcing its first-ever “Eco-Friendly Holiday” décor theme, in which it will model methods of naturalistic, “green”-themed decorations. Guests are encouraged to visit the Zoo from December 13, 2014, through January 1, 2015, to view ways in which they can explore ideas to “green” their holiday traditions, and to receive conservation messaging tips in signs spread throughout the Zoo.
Zoo staff members worked with student volunteers from G-Star School of the Arts, who helped to design the eco-friendly decorations. The students also created the décor through activities such as draining coconut ornaments, painting wooden houses and trees for a play area in the Zoo that will be decorated with inspiration from “Whoville,” and constructing giant holiday presents that will be spread throughout the Zoo. The students will install the decorations they created on December 11, 2014.
“Our students have enjoyed this project,” said George Colavecchio, production coordinator for G-Star. “They have been able to discover ways for going green in their own lives and sharing that knowledge with others in a fun and creative way.”
The entire month of December, guests are invited to watch as zookeepers will feature special holiday enrichment activities for various animals, beginning with a jaguar and capuchin monkeys receiving gifts on December 6, 2014. The public is encouraged to follow the Zoo on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to stay informed about animal holiday enrichment schedules.
Children can create their very own snowflake ornament and snowman necklace made from natural materials in eco-friendly craft workshops on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 – 14 and 20 – 21. As a special treat, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer will also be making appearances throughout the course of the workshops. Funds raised benefit the daily operations of the Zoo.
WHAT: Eco-Friendly Holiday at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
WHEN: December 13, 2014 through January 1, 2015
WHERE: Spread out around Zoo grounds, with signs directing guests where to look
WHAT: Eco-Friendly Children’s Holiday Craft Workshops
WHEN: December 13, 14, 20, & 21, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily
WHERE: Peggy S. Brown Special Events Pavilion
COST: $3.00 per member child and $5.00 per non-member child, tickets can be purchased at the Zoo’s admissions booth upon arrival or upon arrival to the Peggy S. Brown Special Events Pavilion
“We are proud to showcase decorating in a more eco-friendly way during this time of year,” said Andrew Aiken, president and CEO for the Zoo. “Celebrating with a sustainable holiday is meaningful to us as part of our mission.
“We hope to show that you don’t have to sacrifice your traditions or your enjoyment to be kind to the environment,” Aiken continued. “An eco-friendly holiday helps wildlife!”
About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.