Zack Elzey

I belong at the Zoo! Lou ⚽️. Artist. Multicultural Interests🗺. Diehard Louisvillian.
Views are my own.

[Zack Elzey @Zack_LZ_]

Wow... I got chills watching this; it really was a great season. It'd been so long, but I finally made it back here... back home. A place so familiar, yet, by its nature, unequivocally wild. And I've loved every second of it.

The adventure continues...

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

As the year comes to a close, lets look at a few highlights and memorable moments from this year at the Louisville Zoo. We look forward to another incredible year with you in 2025! You can donate today to the Annual Fund and support the Zoo's 1,100+ animals at https://t.co/51wPXIFjbn

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

This Wednesday, July 8 is your night. 🌙✨ Wild Lights goes 21+ for an adults-only evening under the glow. Already have "Anytime" Wild Lights tickets? You're all set! Just show up and enjoy the Zoo after dark with no little ones in tow. The perfect midweek escape!

https://t.co/8pgQs7ZXBY

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Need a dose of serotonin to help chase away the Sunday Scaries?
Meet the adorable kits of black-footed ferret "Blue Violet." They are 43 days old and growing fast!

Did you know you can tour our Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center?
Learn more at https://t.co/pj0xQ6CPMa.

📸 Chris Florence

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

We're thrilled to announced that Obi and Andi, two gorilla half-sisters who recently joined us from Knoxville, are now settling into their new home with longtime bachelor Kicho. The trio is currently getting to know each other, and you're invited to watch their story unfold! Stop by Gorilla Forest to see Obi, Andi, and Kicho as they explore their space together and build their new family dynamic. Every interaction is a step forward in the important work of sustaining healthy gorilla populations for generations to come. 💚

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Time is running out! ⏰

Early bird pricing for ROARchestra: Summer Breeze ends THIS TUESDAY, June 30. Get your tickets today and SAVE on one of Louisville's favorite summer traditions.

Live music. Yacht Rock classics. A beautiful evening at the Zoo on Saturday, July 11. Don't miss it! 🎶⛵

Sponsored by John and Sallie Cunningham

https://t.co/q6yUn4UYAW

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Temperatures are heating up, and the Louisville Zoo is the perfect place to cool down! Beat the heat in Glacier Run Splash Park, then meet the newest Zoo arrivals like baby giraffe, Silvia. Stay hydrated at our water fountain refill stations and with free ice water at concession stands.

Zoo Members, don't forget about your exclusive Early Member Mornings with early entry to both the Zoo AND Splash Park. It's the coolest way to start your day!

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Get ready to groove under the stars! 🌟🎶🦁
Join us at the Louisville Zoo on July 11 for ROARchestra: Summer Breeze Yacht Rock Classics and enjoy legendary tunes, good vibes, and summer fun.
Gates open at 7 p.m. Bring your friends, lawn chairs, and let’s make it a night to remember!
https://t.co/q6yUn4UYAW

📸 Arnold O'Neil

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Wild Lights is ON tonight!
Did you know rainy nights can be one of the best times to visit? The lanterns shine beautifully, the atmosphere feels extra magical, and crowds are often lighter.

Join us tonight and experience glowing, handcrafted lantern displays throughout the Zoo before Wild Lights ends. Louisville Zoo Members can save 20 percent. Visit on Thursday and Sunday nights for the lowest ticket price.

https://t.co/kztxOqA3jY

Sponsored by Ford Motor Company

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Wild Lights is calling! 🌌✨ Picture this: the Zoo bathed in vibrant colors, handcrafted lanterns lighting up the night, and an after-hours adventure you won't forget. Whether you're bringing the whole family or planning a romantic night out, Wild Lights is where summer evenings come alive. Who's joining us?

https://t.co/kztxOqA3jY

Special thanks to sponsor Ford Motor Company!

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Peek-a-boo! Can you spot baby giraffe Silvia behind her mom, Kianga? Come say hello on your next Zoo visit and see if you can spot her in person!

📸 Kyle Shepherd

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Join us for Breakfast with the Beasts: Crocs and Gators on Saturday, June 13 from 9 – 11 a.m., where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast while getting an up-close look at these incredible reptiles. 🐊☀️
Meet some of our scaly residents (including King Louie!) and learn what makes crocs and gators so fascinating during an exclusive keeper chat.

Can't make it to see the crocs & gators? Check out our other upcoming Breakfast with the Beasts events:
🧇June 20: Australia
🧇July 18: Sumatran Tiger

This special experience includes breakfast, all-day Zoo admission and parking. Special ticket required. Get tickets at https://t.co/JImfSQBFci

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

It’s that time of year again: Spike the African spurred tortoise is on his annual adventure! As the weather heats up, Spike takes his stroll to the addax habitat to munch on delicious clover. This year he made it in 17:08; way to go, Spike! Big thanks to his awesome care team for letting us all be part of his journey. 💖

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Journey with us under the sea (no scuba gear required)! 🌊🐙✨
The Magical Ocean realm at Wild Lights transforms the Zoo into an illuminated underwater dream, filled with vibrant, larger‑than‑life lanterns. Get tickets now at https://t.co/FWZng8Arzv

Special thanks to our sponsor, Ford Motor Company, for helping us bring the magic of Wild Lights to the Zoo!

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

It’s party time at the Zoo! 🎉🐾 Join us for our upcoming Animal Birthday Bash this Friday, May 29 beginning shortly after 10 a.m. Enjoy special keeper chats, birthday enrichment and plenty of animal fun — all free with Zoo admission! Check out the birthday lineup below 👇

10:15 a.m. | Binturong Bianca (3) | Islands
10:30 a.m. | Western lowland gorilla Paki (37) | Gorilla Forest
11 a.m. | Hartmann’s mountain zebra Phoenix (6) | Africa/Zebra
11 a.m. | Canadian lynx Matilda (12) & Willow (4) | Cats of America
11:30 a.m. | Snow leopards NeeCee (11) & Meru (9) | Snow Leopard Pass
Noon | Toco toucans Lucy (10) & Theodore (2) | Toucan habitat (across from red panda)
1 p.m. | Cassowary Bruce (5) | Australia
3 p.m. | Red panda Sundara (4) | Red Panda

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Join us for Breakfast with the Beasts, where you can enjoy a delicious morning meal while getting up close with some of your favorite animals. From keeper chats to unforgettable encounters, it’s the ultimate way to start your day! ✨

Upcoming Breakfast with the Beasts events:
🧇Aldabra Tortoise: May 31
🧇Crocs + Gators: June 13
🧇 Australia: June 20

Your ticket includes breakfast, keeper chats near the animals, hands-on activities, parking, and all-day Zoo admission. Get yours now at https://t.co/W0hFKkL3RD

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Introducing Silvia 🦒💛
Our newest member of the herd is a living tribute to compassion, dedication, and conservation. Named in honor of longtime zookeeper Silvia Zirkelbach, this calf celebrates 43 years of care that have helped shape generations of animal care at the Zoo.

Silvia Zirkelbach has helped care for 22 of the Zoo’s 25 giraffe calves over its 57-year history making this namesake especially meaningful.

Born May 3 at 190 pounds and 74 inches tall, little Silvia is already off to a strong start. We can’t wait for you to watch her grow and explore this season!

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Where the wild things glow ✨🌌
Wild Lights is now open and lighting up the Zoo with stunning handcrafted lanterns, bold colors, and after-dark experiences you can’t get any other time. Tickets available at https://t.co/R3kDBEXQzI

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Join us for Breakfast with the Beasts where your morning starts with waffles and wildlife! 🧇🐾

Enjoy a delicious waffle breakfast, then get up close with amazing animals while chatting with the expert keepers who care for them. You’ll even have the chance to help create enrichment for the animals!

📅 May 31: Aldabra Tortoise
📅 June 13: Crocs + Gators

Your ticket includes breakfast, parking, and Zoo admission for the entire day so you can keep the adventure going long after your plate is cleared.

🎟️ Spots are limited. Grab your tickets now at https://t.co/wAR6YVs0UL

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Don’t miss Hump Day Happy Hour: Social Lights happening TOMORROW, May 20. This is your chance to experience the Zoo like never before. Sip, snack, and explore after hours with up-close animal encounters, keeper chats, and exclusive access to giraffes, rhinos, and more.

Then, keep the night going as you stroll through the glowing magic of Wild Lights Lantern Spectacular after dark. 🌟

🎟️ Your ticket includes event entry, appetizers, two drink tickets (beer, wine, or specialty cocktail), and Wild Lights admission.

This is a 21+ event, and spots are limited. Get your tickets now at https://t.co/glfzbeLmmC

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Take your Zoo visit to the next level 🐾! Our Backstage Pass Tours give you VIP access and the chance to learn how our keepers care for animals and support conservation efforts. Meet Zoo experts, explore off-exhibit spaces, and maybe even get closer to the animals (on their terms!) 🦒✨.

Every tour is unique, so no two experiences are the same.
Ages 6+ (kids must be accompanied by a ticketed adult). Learn more at https://t.co/bCYrmTSKBl

[Louisville Zoo @LouisvilleZoo]

Midweek plans = handled 🥂
Grab your crew and head to Hump Day Happy Hour: Social Lights this Wednesday, May 20, for a night of drinks, bites, and up-close animal moments you won’t get during the day. Chat with keepers, hang with giraffes & rhinos, then wander through Wild Lights after dark. 🌟

Your ticket includes event entry, tasty appetizers, and two drink tickets redeemable for beer, wine, or a specialty cocktail, AND admission to Wild Lights Lantern Spectacular.

This is a 21+ Event. Get tickets now at https://t.co/glfzbeLmmC

📸 Kyle Shepherd