Spring is here and we want to celebrate! Fresno Chaffee Zoo invites the community to come together for a day of learning and inspiration at Party for the Planet. Join us on Saturday, April 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a vibrant event focused on sustainability, earth-friendly practices, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world around us.
Party for the Planet is more than just a fun day at the Zoo; it’s an opportunity to connect with conservation efforts that are making a difference right here in the Central Valley. Guests will enjoy interactive activities, community partner booths, and hands-on experiences that highlight how everyday actions can support a healthier planet. Through the educational activities offered during the event, families will learn about tidepools, condors, reptiles, responsible camping, and native plants.
A special focus of this year’s event is the Coexist with Wildlife, California campaign. This powerful statewide initiative, that began with Fresno Chaffee Zoo, was created in partnership with the California Association of Zoos and Aquariums and more than 20 conservation partners. The campaign was inspired by a solemn milestone: 2024 marked 100 years since the extinction of the California grizzly bear, the state’s official symbol. Rather than letting this moment pass quietly, the Zoo and its partners transformed it into a call to action, honoring what has been lost while inspiring efforts to protect the wildlife that still call California home.
In recognition of this leadership, Fresno Chaffee Zoo received the prestigious 2025 Advocacy Impact Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, highlighting its role in advancing conservation awareness and action across the state. We want to continue to share the important message of the campaign and the Zoo’s mission to inspire people to care for animals, create connections, build community, and save wildlife.
At this year’s celebration, the Zoo is proud to honor Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN) as our Community Hero. Founded in 1999, CCEJN has grown into a powerful coalition serving communities across the San Joaquin Valley. Their work centers on empowering rural, underserved communities— particularly communities of color— to advocate for environmental health, access resources, and drive meaningful change. CCEJN has helped bring visibility to environmental injustices while creating real, measurable improvements in air and water quality, public health, and community voice.
Throughout the day, a dynamic lineup of experiences celebrating culture, education, and sustainability will be featured. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the significance of cultural burning and its role in land stewardship. A special informational booth will be hosted by Honorable Tribal Chairman Ron Goode of the North Fork Mono (NFM) Tribe and Dirk Charley of the Dunlap Mono Tribe, offering insight into traditional knowledge and practices related to fire management. Visitors can discover how fire stewardship is an important aspect of caring for the land, rooted in Indigenous wisdom and experience. This booth provides a unique chance to understand the value of cultural burning in promoting ecological health and sustainability.
Readings and demonstrations at the event will highlight our connection to nature and wildlife. Chef La of the SSA Group will host a live cooking demonstration focusing on delicious and sustainable food practices, while Michael Hoy will hold a children’s book reading of “I Love the Fresno Chaffee Zoo” by Frances Rutan Hoy Pringle, a perfect read for young animal lovers and families. Guests can also enjoy a variety of local flavors from featured food vendors, including Mangonazo Fresh Fruits & Snacks, El Jabalito, and Zakie Bakes—offering something for every taste.
At Party for the Planet, guests will discover ways to take part in conservation efforts at home and in their communities. Whether you’re passionate about protecting wildlife, interested in sustainability, or simply looking for a meaningful day out with family and friends, this event offers something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate our planet, honor those making a difference, and work together toward a more sustainable and just future.
