Albuquerque BioPark Celebrates EARTH DAY with a Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 19

City of Albuquerque

Albuquerque Biological Park

NEWS RELEASE





FOR: ALBUQUERQUE BIOLOGICAL PARK EDUCATION



DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2008



CONTACT: ALLYSON ZAHM, (505) 764-6247

ACTING BIOPARK EDUCATION CURATOR



RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY, PLEASE



SUMMARY: ALBUQUERQUE BIOPARK CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH A PARTY FOR THE PLANET ON SATURDAY, APRIL 19







In concert with zoos and aquariums across the nation, the Albuquerque Biological Park will celebrate Earth Day in a BIG way with a Party for the Planet on Saturday, April 19, from 10:00am-2:00pm. Visitors to each of the BioPark’s facilities – Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach – will learn how to lessen their impact on the Earth and protect animals, plants and habitats.



At each facility, Celebra la Ciencia stations will feature family-focused, hands-on science activities taught by bilingual instructors. All Earth Day activities are included with regular admission.



At the Zoo, visitors will learn about endangered animals from around the world and how to protect them. Children can celebrate the “Year of the Frog” as they learn to identify frog calls and study tadpoles. The New Mexico Solar Energy Association will install a photovoltaic panel on the Zoo’s gift shop during the event and will provide information about solar energy.



At the Aquarium, visitors will follow a drop of water from the Rio Grande to the sea as they learn about amazing aquatic animals and how to protect marine ecosystems. Children will be able to make their own “mini-aquarium” to take home (while supplies last).



At the Botanic Garden, visitors will learn about plants for water-wise gardens and will be able to plant seeds to take home for their own garden. Local landscape architects will compete in a chalk art competition in the Aquarium/Botanic Garden plaza and will install temporary xeric landscapes near the parking lot.



At Tingley Beach, the BioVan will showcase plants and animals found along the Rio Grande. Guided wildlife-watching hikes through the nearby bosque will take place at 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm. Fishing lessons and pond life studies will take place at the Tingley Beach fishing lakes.



Celebra la Ciencia is a coalition of local science education institutions dedicated to engaging families in informal, hands-on science programs and increasing awareness about science career opportunities.

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For more information, call BioPark education at 505-764-6247 or 311 (Relay NM or 711). The BioPark is a division of the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department. Visit the BioPark website at www.cabq.gov/biopark for more information about our facilities and programs.



Same day combo admission to the BioPark’s Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium and Rio Grande Botanic Garden is $12 for adults; $5 for seniors 65 and older and for children 3-12. New Mexico BioPark Society membership confers FREE general admission to all BioPark facilities and discounts to many special events, including summer concerts. Find out more about becoming a BioPark Society member at nmbioparksociety.org.



The Albuquerque Biological Park is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats