Animal Care Day

During this family-friendly event, guests experienced an inside look at the many ways the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo cares for its animals. Visitors explored interactive stations showcasing veterinary care, animal nutrition, enrichment activities, and the daily routines that keep the zoo’s residents healthy and happy. I helped plan and coordinate event logistics, ensuring each station told a cohesive story about animal care and conservation. Sponsored by Sweetwater, the event successfully combined education and entertainment, giving families a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that supports wildlife at the zoo.

Don’t Step on a Bee Day

This educational event celebrated the essential role that bees and other pollinators play in keeping our ecosystems thriving. Families learned how pollination supports the foods we eat, explored hands-on stations about bee habitats and conservation, and discovered simple ways to protect pollinators at home. I assisted with planning and organizing interactive activities that made the science of pollination fun and accessible for children, helping connect environmental awareness with everyday choices. Sponsored by NIPSCO and the NiSource Foundation, the event fostered curiosity and appreciation for nature’s smallest yet mightiest workers.

Rainforest Day

Rainforest Day invited families to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the tropics while learning about the incredible diversity of life that thrives beneath the canopy. Guests participated in educational activities highlighting rainforest animals, conservation challenges, and the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems. I assisted in coordinating interactive stations and creative learning experiences that encouraged children to connect with wildlife and understand the global impact of conservation. Sponsored by 3 Rivers Federal Credit Union, the event inspired curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the world’s rainforests.

Ice Day

Ice Day gave guests a refreshing glimpse into how animals at the zoo beat the summer heat while staying mentally and physically active. Families watched zookeepers give zoo animals colorful ice treats designed as enrichment tools to encourage natural behaviors like foraging, problem-solving, and play. I helped plan and coordinate this engaging event, ensuring visitors could learn about animal care in a fun, interactive way. Through creative demonstrations and hands-on activities, Ice Day highlighted the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and education while keeping guests, and animals, cool and entertained.

Corks for Conservation

Corks for Conservation is the zoo’s premier annual fundraising gala, bringing together community members, donors, and sponsors in support of wildlife preservation. The 2020 event raised $75,000 to benefit the zoo’s ongoing efforts with more than 30 conservation partners around the world. I supported event execution by assisting with guest coordination, setup, and on-site logistics to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees. The evening combined fine wine, live entertainment, and powerful storytelling to celebrate conservation success and inspire continued community involvement.