LA Zoo Sets African American History Month Offerings

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens observes African American History Month and the rich diversity of African American culture with AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY CELEBRATION AT THE LOS ANGELES ZOO on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8, 2015, 10 am to 4 pm, featuring programing co-curated by the research library at the California African American Museum (CAAM); a vibrant array of music and dance entertainment; crafts; and animal feedings, keeper talks and up-close visits with small animals, all spotlighting animals from Africa. Selections from the museum's permanent collection will be highlighted with educational signage adjacent to related animal exhibits and landmarks. Also on hand are Ragin Cajun, Sista Soul Food and Peaches Truck food trucks offering authentic flavors.

Throughout the weekend, guests will find 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 STQRY app. Performances by the Lula Washington Dance Theatre take place from 10:30 to 11:30 pm 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.

Feedings of the Zoo's hippos (including baby Rosie) take place at 12:30 pm both days, and keeper talks are offered 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. Zoo guests can discover fun facts at two educational activity stations such as how many neck vertebrae a giraffe has and how a zebra's stripes provide camouflage. Youngsters 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 landmark LOS ANGELES ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS, drawing 1.6 million visitors each year, is home to a diverse collection of 1,100 animals representing 250 different species, many of which are rare or endangered. Its lush grounds on 113 acres feature a botanical collection comprising over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), whose members meet rigorous professional standards for animal welfare, the Zoo has achieved renown as an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. Among its most popular habitats are the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles), Elephants of Asia, Campo Gorilla Reserve and Rainforest of the Americas. The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 65,000 member households representing more than 240,000 adults and children. As evidence of the Zoo's popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.

THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM (CAAM) is a state agency charged with researching, collecting, preserving and interpreting for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. Collaboratively operating in partnerships with its 501(c) (3) non-profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum, CAAM houses a permanent collection of over 4,000 objects of art, artifacts and historical documents, and a publicly accessible Research Library containing more than 20,000 volumes. CAAM hosts up to 13 exhibitions annually and tours several of its organized exhibitions nationally. CAAM also presents a wide variety of more than 80 annual public programs ranging from educational and curriculum-driven lectures and tours with scholars and experts to art workshops, film screening and its highly popular signature series of monthly live performances Target Sundays at CAAM. In furtherance of its value driven commitment to mentor the next generation and give back to the community, CAAM proudly trains and employs high school students year-round through its opportunities for school and community groups that otherwise could not afford transportation; fosters cross-issues, cross-town and cross-cultural learning and dialogue through written expression through Head are Turning, Children are Learning; and creates small business development and customer out-reach opportunities for artists through its on-site vending program.

The Los Angeles 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