New Bedford, MA - April 17, 2007 Buttonwood Park Zoo is teaming up with more than 140 other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across the country to host a nation-wide celebration of the earth in a Party for the Planet on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2007 from 1:00 to 4:00. Family friendly conservation-themed activities and crafts will help visitors discover ways to connect with their local environment and take steps to make a collective difference in conservation on a national and global level.

In addition to a variety of conservation activities and crafts during the Party for the Planet, Buttonwood Park Zoo will be hosting a Bulb Swap in which visitors are encouraged to bring an incandescent light bulb from home and swap it for an energy-efficient compact flourescent lightbulb (CLF). One bulb per family while supplies last. Visitors can learn about recycling in New Bedford, and even pick up a blue bin to make recycling in the home even easier. Information will also be available about New Bedford's Operation Clean Sweep. The Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform at 2:00, with Party for the Planet cake to follow, because no party is complete without music and cake!

Buttonwood Park Zoo's Party for the Planet is sponsored by Bush Quality Cleaners, utilizing GreenEarth Cleaning, a non-toxic and environmentally friendly method.

All Party for the Planet activities are free with zoo admission.

Buttonwood Park Zoo is open year round, seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission: $6 adults, $4.50 Seniors and Teens, $3 children ages 3-12, children under 3 are free. For more information, call (508) 991-6178 or visit www.bpzoo.org.