LA Zoo's PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend to Feature Curious George, Daniel Tiger

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens hosts PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend at the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday February 19, 2017, 10 am to 4 pm.

The event fills the Zoo's Eucalyptus Grove with a variety of engaging fun for families with book readings, themed crafts, activities and a kids' dance party.

Guest can also enjoy a special opportunity to take photos with PBS KIDS characters Curious George and Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Curious George is available for photos both days from 10:30 to 11 am, 11:30 am to 12 noon and 12:30 to 1 pm. Daniel Tiger is available both days from 1:30 to 2 pm, 2:30 to 3 pm and 3:30 to 4 pm.

A Curious George photo op for members of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association takes place on Saturday only from 8:30 to 9 am, followed by a Daniel Tiger photo op for members from 9:30 to 10 am.

PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend activities are free with paid admission to the L.A. Zoo.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens marks its 50th anniversary with a yearlong "ZooLAbration" of its November 28, 1966, opening that spotlights not only its key role as a world-class destination and an important community asset but also its critical successes in conservation, quality of life and premier care for animals. Having recently completed a $172 million master plan which significantly improved the Zoo facility, the 50th anniversary coincides with the early planning stages of a new Master Plan for the future.

The landmark Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, drawing nearly 1.8 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, as well as 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. The L.A. Zoo's lush grounds on 113 acres feature Rainforest of the Americas, an extraordinary collection of endangered and exotic mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians living in spaces that exemplify their natural habitat in the rainforest biosphere; Chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains, home to one of the largest troops of chimpanzees in the United States; Red Ape Rain Forest, where visitors can walk among orangutans; the LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles); Elephants of Asia; Campo Gorilla Reserve; and one of the largest flocks of flamingos in any zoo in the world.

Among other highlights are an extraordinary, hands-on Hippo Encounter; the Winnick Family Children's Zoo and Muriel's Ranch animal contact area; the Tom Mankiewicz Conservation Carousel; a variety of daily opportunities to learn more about animals, including close-up visits, special feedings and intriguing talks; and much more.

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 60,000 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.

PBS SoCal is the home to PBS for Greater Los Angeles and Southern California. PBS SoCal delivers the full schedule of PBS programs, plus content that is for, about and by the people of Southern California. Content is available free through four broadcast channels, at pbssocal.org, on PBS mobile apps, and via connected TV services. And PBS SoCal provides the community with early education resources and cultural and educational experiences through partnerships, events and grassroots outreach. PBS SoCal has offices in Century City, Costa Mesa, and Los Angeles. Connect at pbssocal.org and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

Programming subject to change. While every possible effort is made to allow all guests a visit with the PBS SoCal KIDS characters, a photo with the characters cannot be guaranteed due to high demand and limited capacity.

All PBS SoCal KIDS Weekend activities are free with paid Zoo admission, which is $20 for general admission (ages 13 to 61); $17 for seniors (ages 62+), and $15 for children (ages 2 to 12). No ticket is required for children under age two. Admission for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members is free.

The Los Angeles Zoo 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.

Photo courtesy of PBS SoCal KIDS