Hersheypark and ZooAmerica Recognize World Conservation Day

Hershey, Pa., is not only the sweetest destination for the fun attractions and events offered throughout the year. The small town in Central Pennsylvania is also home to some incredible conservation efforts protecting the wildlife and habitats that visitors may see during a visit to The Sweetest Place On Earth.

In celebration of World Conservation Day on July 28, learn more about how Hersheypark amusement park and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park are taking action to improve our world's wildlife and preserve it for future generations to enjoy!

ZooAmerica

ZooAmerica is an 11-acre, walk-through zoo in Hershey, Pa., that cares for more than 200 animals representing species from five regions of North America. As part of its mission, ZooAmerica is dedicated to protecting, promoting and encouraging the conservation of wildlife, natural resources and habitats. 

ZooAmerica actively supports conservation efforts through financial commitments and donations to the Conservation Grant Fund of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo also participates in Species Survival Plan programs to oversee the population management of select species within the AZA member institutions and to enhance the conservation of these species in the wild.

Locally, ZooAmerica has established and implemented a variety of initiatives that benefit the species of our state, country, continent and world, including a cooperative project with Fort Indiantown Gap to raise Regal Fritillary butterflies, as well as the construction of nest boxes for American Kestrels, Prothonotary Warblers and Bluebirds that are placed in local areas. You can learn more about these and other conservation efforts at ZooAmerica here.

The AZA Accreditation Commission recently recognized the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation. In 2021, ZooAmerica was again granted accreditation, an honor first received in 1982. The AZA requires zoos and aquariums to undergo an extensive review and inspection every five years to remain accredited. During this most recent review cycle, ZooAmerica was one of the 22 accredited zoos and aquariums. Fewer than 10% of all zoos and aquariums in the world meet the standards to earn this prestigious designation. 

ZooAmerica is open year-round (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) for guests interested in exploring the wild of North America and learning how they can contribute to the conservation of animals. Individual Zoo tickets are available for purchase online or in person; hours vary. ZooAmerica is included in a Hersheypark admission ticket only by accessing the Zoo from the bridge inside Hersheypark during posted Park hours. 

Oceans of Fun

Since 2009, Hersheypark has partnered with Oceans of Fun to provide educational yet fun, conservation-based marine mammal shows to guests visiting the largest amusement park in Pennsylvania. 

During the summer season, Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions join the Oceans of Fun team to teach guests about marine life, conservation and our environment at the free Our Friends from the Sea show offered daily at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. inside the 50-year-old Aquatheatre at Hersheypark. Many of the Oceans of Fun marine mammals in the show are rescued and help to inspire positive action for the conservation and protection of our world’s oceans. 

Immediately following the shows, guests can join the team of experts from Oceans of Fun for two paid experiences, including Fish Feeds and a Behind the Splash photo opportunity. Guests interested in a more personal experience with the Ocean of Fun team can look into our Flippered Friends experience! This paid experience gives families the opportunity to feed an animal, take pictures and experience the magic of these marine mammals up close. 

Don’t miss out - Cruz, Ripley, Cocoa, Cobh, Harper, and their team are ready to put on an entertaining show and inspire hope and change for all marine-dwelling friends. In addition to the shows in Hersheypark, Oceans of Fun also looks to put the “fun” in fundraising by holding events supporting their mission of inspiring conservation and public action through immersive education.

Celebrate World Conservation Day with a visit to Hersheypark and ZooAmerica to see and learn about the amazing animals that call Hershey, Pa., home.

For more information, visit the ZooAmerica and Ocean Connections websites.