Asheboro, N.C. — The North Carolina Zoo will celebrate Earth Day this weekend, April 21-22. Visitors can learn about the zoo's conservation efforts and participate in educational entertainment throughout the park.

Saturday's activities will begin at 10 a.m. and will include African music and dance performances, puppet-making and drum circles with Music Explorium.

Zoo visitors will be able to see special exhibits from organizations such as N.C. Big Sweep, the state Division of Forest Resources, The Windstar Foundation, N.C. GreenPower, Asheboro Recycling and the Randolph County Water Quality Task Force. These guest exhibitors will be located throughout the park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Sunday's activities include a tree seedling giveaway from 1 to 5 p.m. and a giant puppet parade at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can swap out a can or bottle to be recycled for a reusable cup at either of the zoo's two entrance plazas.

The celebration will take place during the normal zoo hours of 9 a.m to 5 p.m. and is included in the regular admission price:

• Adults: $12
• Seniors (62+): $10
• Children (2-12): $8