Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
2011 Calendar Of Events
Chinese New Year Celebration
Jan. 29
This Family Zoo Adventure is geared to ages 5-10. Call (812) 435-6143 ext. 414 for reservations. 12-4 p.m.
Caring for Endangered Animals Lecture
Jan. 30
Zoo Director, Amos Morris, teaches us about the Zoo’s efforts to care for endangered animals. Located in the Browning Event Rooms at Central Library. 200 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Lecture is free of charge. 2:00 p.m.
All Hogs Day
Feb. 2
Will the hedgehog see it’s shadow?
Orchid Escape Preview Party
Feb. 11
Enjoy beautiful orchids displayed in AMAZONIA while you enjoy an array of South American hors d’oeuvres and tropical drinks. For reservations, please call (812) 435-6143 ext. 441. 7-10 p.m.
Orchid Escape
Feb. 12-March 12
Escape to the tropics this winter. Hundreds of rare and unique South American orchids will be displayed throughout AMAZONIA. There is no additional fee for this special exhibition. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Building of AMAZONIA Lecture
Feb. 20
The Zoo’s Director of Operations, Erik Beck, will share what it takes to create a tropical rainforest exhibit in Evansville, IN. Located in the Browning Event Rooms at Central Library. 200 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Lecture is free of charge. 6:30 p.m.
Or-Kid Escape
Feb. 26
Session 1: 10-12 a.m./Session 2: 2-4 p.m.
Kids, ages 7-11, and their parents will take an educational tour of the orchid exhibit, make a craft, pot a plant to take home, and enjoy an Or-Kid snack while learning about the intriguing orchid. Reservations available after 2/6 by calling (812) 435-6143 x 414.
Adventure Evansville Camp
March 19-26
Enjoy a day at Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville Museum, cMoe, Angel Mounds, and Swonder Ice Rink. Call (812) 435-6143 ext. 414 for reservations.
Books Come to Life with Mesker Park Zoo! Lecture
March 20
Dr. Diana Barber will explore animal characters in books and bring her real life animal experience from the Zoo into this lecture. Located in the Browning Event Rooms at Central Library. 200 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Lecture is free of charge. 2:00 p.m.
“My Story” As a Zoo Vet Lecture
April 14
Dr. Maria Spriggs, Zoo Veterinarian, will tell her story of life as a zoo vet. Located in the River Room at Central Library. 200 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Lecture is free of charge. 6:30 p.m.
Evansville Earth Event
April 17
Celebrate Earth Day with the Zoo & South Central Media by enjoying games and crafts, and learning conservation tips. Organizations from around the community will be taking part in this fun event. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Plant Sale Sneak Preview Party & Herb Affair – For Members Only
May 6
Enjoy the perks of Zoo membership by receiving the first opportunity to select plants that will go on sale for Bloomin’ Zoo Garden Festival. Learn tips for cooking with herbs and sample some deliciously seasoned foods. 5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Bloomin’ Zoo Garden Festival
May 7 & 8
Purchase unique and interesting plants used throughout Zoo grounds. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mother’s Day Special
May 8
Bring your mom to the Zoo on Mother’s Day and she will receive free admission!
Green Gardening Practices Lecture
May 18
This plant lecture, by Zoo Botanic Curator Paul Bouseman, is in conjunction with Plant Conservation Day. Located in the Browning Event Rooms at Central Library. 200 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Lecture is free of charge. 6:30 p.m.
Dora the Explorer and Diego Come to the Zoo!
May 21 & 22
Meet Dora the Explorer and Diego, live at the Zoo! Free with regular paid admission or membership. Don’t forget your cameras! 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Zoo Brew
June 11, 2011
A fun evening of beer, wine, great food, and entertainment. For those 21 and over only. Cost for pre-registration: $25. Make reservations on the Zoo’s homepage or call 435-6143 ext. 409 to make reservations over the phone. 7-10 p.m.
Father’s Day
June 19
Bring your father to the Zoo & he will get in free! Also, find out who some of the best fathers in the Zoo are.
Member’s Appreciation Evening
June 22
A special evening with behind the scenes tours, refreshments, and more for the Zoo’s loyal members. 4-8 p.m.
Wagon and Stroller Parade
July 4
Decorate your stroller or wagon and participate in a parade around the Zoo. Also, learn tips on bike safety and watch as the animals receive red, white & blue treats! Times TBD.
Family Fun Day
July 9
Make a splash with this fun family oriented event. Play a variety of games, listen to keeper talks, and much more! 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt
Aug. 27
Enjoy a daytime scavenger hunt for children and an evening scavenger hunt for adults. Prices and registration information, to be announced.
Run Wild 5K
Sept. 7
Join us for the 3rd Annual 5K Run and Walk to benefit the Evansville Zoological Society. Takes place throughout the Zoo! Walk begins at 5:30 p.m. and run begins at 6:00 p.m.
Pony Express Mustang & Classic Ford Club Car Show
September 11
See how many animal themed cars you can spot as you stroll through the Zoo. Vote for your favorite car! 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
White Cane Day
Sept. 24
Learn what it is like to be blind or visually impaired through activities and games. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo
October 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 & 30
Great Halloween fun for the entire family! Enjoy treat stations, games, crafts, a haunted feature and more at this spooktacular event! 5 – 8 p.m.
Military Special
November 11
All veterans and active military personnel receive FREE admission with one paid admission on this special day.
Breakfast with Santa
December 3 & 4
Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast with Santa in the Rainforest Grill (don’t forget to bring your cameras!). Children will receive a treat bag and enjoy making a special holiday craft. Guests will also enjoy extra special animals, up close & personal, within Amazonia.
New Years ReZoolutions
December 31
During this conservation themed event, kids will be able to see the ball drop at noon! 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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