Toledo, OH — May 22, 2025 — This Memorial Day weekend, the Toledo Zoo invites the community to a weekend-long celebration in honor of its 125th birthday and the official kickoff to summer.

On Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, guests can enjoy live entertainment, character meet and greets, interactive activities, unique animal experiences and more — all in celebration of the Zoo’s 125-year legacy as a leader in wildlife conservation, education and family fun.

The event will feature live steel drum music, bubble shows, origami demonstrations and strolling performers throughout Zoo grounds. Families can meet fan-favorite characters, experience keeper talks and animal feeds, and enjoy hands-on experiences, including the Glovation Circus’s “Wonders of the Wild” show at the historic Amphitheatre.

A full slate of entertainment will run each day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., including:

• Live performances by TSA Glass City Steel Drums, DC Taylor Acoustic Duo and Enchanting Entertainers
• Meet and greets with princesses on Saturday and Cat Boy, Owlette, Gekko and Blippy on Sunday
• Sea lion demonstrations, hippo and gorilla enrichment, Komodo dragon and tamarin keeper talks
• Children’s Animal Shows, animal meet-and-greets and origami with Michael Roy’s Paper Magic
• BubbleLunatics bubble demos, bounce house fun and more

All seasonal attractions will also officially open for the year, including the Tower Ridge giraffe feed deck, the Zoo train, Aquarium Adventure Trail splash pad, Expedition Africa Aerial Adventure Course and the climbing wall — making it the perfect time to explore everything the Zoo has to offer.

Guests can also look forward to brand-new concession offerings this season, such as milkshakes, gluten-free pizza, hand-breaded chicken tenders, chicken and waffles, pulled pork sandwiches and fresh-grilled burgers available throughout the Zoo.

As part of the Zoo’s commitment to inclusivity, the Conda Family Zoo For All program will provide a Sensory Area in the ProMedica Museum of Natural History’s Mazza Gallery. This quiet zone features sensory-friendly activities and is supported by trained staff and volunteers to assist guests with sensory needs.

“The Zoo’s 125th birthday is more than a celebration — it’s a tribute to our deep roots in this community and the people who have helped shape it,” said Jen Brassil, director of public relations & communications events at the Toledo Zoo. “We’re kicking off summer with two full days of entertainment and wildlife experiences that reflect the heart of our mission — connecting people with animals and inspiring conservation.”

Founded in 1900, the Toledo Zoo is home to more than 16,000 animals and is one of only a handful of zoos in the country to have its original WPA-era structures still in use. This milestone event honors its past while looking ahead to the next generation of animal care, guest engagement and environmental stewardship.

The 125th Birthday Bash is included with regular Zoo admission. For the full schedule and event details, visit toledozoo.org/summer.