Detroit Zoo: Recycle Old Electronics And Get Free Admission

If you're an avid recycler or looking for ways to kick-start your recycling routine, the Detroit Zoo has the perfect opportunity. Next Month, the Detroit Zoo will hand out free tickets in exchange for recycling old electronics.

On April 20 and April 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, visitors can bring electronics to the zoo's surface lot off 10 Mile Road. Each vehicle that brings items to recycle will receive a ticket to the zoo, and cars with large loads will get two tickets.

"By embracing your green journey and participating in the Detroit Zoo's E-Recycling Event, you are not only helping the DZS continue to be a leader in environmental sustainability, but you are also reducing landfill waste, protecting animal habitats, and making the world a greener place!," said the Detroit Zoo.

According to the Detroit Zoo, tickets can be redeemed the day of or later. But they must be used by the end of the year. If used the weekend of the recycling event, the tickets include entry to GreenFest, an "eco-friendly festival that features live music, a marketplace to purchase sustainably sourced products, educational activities, access to the Zoo’s 125 acres, and more."

You can dispose of various electronic items. This includes all types of TVs and monitors (such as flat screen and CRT models), printers, computers, laptops, cell phones, and tablets. Additionally, holiday lights, cords, and other wires, DVD and VHS players, and batteries. The zoo notes to ensure lithium terminals, sealed lead-acid, and those greater than 9 volts are covered with clear tape. Radios, small electronics, and small appliances (excluding refrigerators) can all be properly recycled.

"Personal information should be deleted from electronic devices before coming to recycle. All hard drives will be destroyed to U.S. Department of Defense standards. A certificate of destruction can be emailed upon request," they said.

If you can't make it to E-Recycling at the Detroit Zoo between 9 a.m. and noon on April 20 or April 21, you can drop off your unwanted electronics for recycling at Suburban Subaru of Troy now through April 21.

Only those who recycle electronics at the Detroit Zoo between 9 a.m. and noon on April 20-21 will be eligible to receive a complimentary Zoo ticket. Those dropping off e-recycling at Suburban Subaru of Troy will not qualify for this offer.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling electronics helps reduce pollution that would be generated while manufacturing a new product and the need to extract valuable and limited virgin resources. Electronic recycling also reduces the energy used in manufacturing new products.

Visiting the zoo gives you a chance to get up close and personal with all sorts of animals. You can see creatures that might be super rare or hard to find in the wild. You can witness their behaviors, study their physical features, and gain a deeper understanding of their natural habitats.

Some may even say zoos are like schools because they teach us about wildlife conservation and the environment. You can check out cool displays, take guided tours, and listen to talks that raise awareness about protecting endangered species and keeping our planet healthy.

And you can’t forget that going to the zoo is a great way to spend time with family and friends. People visit zoos to get in touch with nature, learn about wildlife, have fun, and be part of something bigger by supporting conservation.

Here are ten zoos you should visit at least once.

The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has a huge variety of animals from all over the world, like elephants, primates, colorful birds, and even marine life. You can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures and learn about the importance of conservation. They have interactive exhibits and fun programs that teach you about wildlife and how to protect it. You can explore underwater habitats and see stunning marine species, from vibrant coral reefs to graceful sea turtles. Visitors can walk through what the zoo calls the world's largest indoor desert and the largest indoor rainforest in North America. And if you don’t feel like walking back from the exhibits, you can take a steam-powered locomotive that circles around the 130-acre park.

The Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing more than 450 species. They offer a schedule of exciting and interactive events, including close encounters with animals and diverse cultural performances. Kids can even join the thrilling 'Bunk with the Beasts' overnight stay, featuring up-close visits with animals, along with a pizza dinner, snack, and breakfast. Outside of the zoo, their Field Conservation and Emergency Wildlife Response teams work to safeguard species from threats like habitat loss and human encroachment.

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is home to 720 species and houses more than 10,000 individual animals. It places a strong emphasis on conservation, actively participating in over 80 species survival programs. The zoo hosts the popular Toledo Zoo Lights event during the holiday season and collaborates with research institutions. Visitors to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium can try their hand at the Expedition Africa Aerial Adventure Course. They also have the opportunity to feed a variety of animals, including giraffes, goats, and alpacas.

Zoo Atlanta provides something for everyone, whether you prefer a relaxed walk through the African Savanna or an immersive experience in The Ford African Rain Forest. It's home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, with many of them endangered. Visitors can see a variety of animals including gorillas, monkeys, and an array of reptiles and amphibians. Also, you'll get a chance to see giant pandas, naked mole rats, clouded leopards, and other animals in the Asian Forest.

Established in 1868, the Lincoln Park Zoo stands out as one of the few remaining free-admission zoos in the United States. They have a diverse animal population of over 1,200 animals that you can see through the zoo’s self-guided tours and interactive activities. It includes encounters with seals, polar bears, and penguins. It's must-see attraction is the Regenstein Center for African Apes, which houses chimpanzees and gorillas.

Spanning across a 100-acre site, the San Francisco Zoo serves as a sanctuary for over 1,000 wild animals representing more than 250 species. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Koko the gorilla, an iconic figure in primate communication studies. The zoo is home to several major exhibits, including the African Savannah featuring reticulated giraffes, and the Primate Discovery Center housing black howler monkeys, chimpanzees, macaques, mandrills, and more. Visitors can explore the Cat Kingdom, home to Indian rhinoceros, hippopotamus, African lions, snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, and even anacondas.

Zoo Knoxville is famous for a couple of amazing achievements. Back in 1978, they made history by breeding the first two African Elephants ever born in the Western Hemisphere. Zoo Knoxville has bred more endangered red pandas than any other zoo in the world. It also plays a significant role in the conservation of endangered tortoises through its leading breeding efforts.

The Smithsonian National Zoo sits on 163 acres in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s Rock Creek Park. Founded in 1889, the Zoo is currently home to more than 2,700 animals representing more than 390 species. Like all Smithsonian museums, admission is free. A popular feature of the zoo is its endangered giant pandas which include adults Tian Tian and Mei Xiang and one-year-old Xiao Qi Ji. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the zoo with the Animal Adventure Guide or spend some time chatting with the animal keepers at the Great Ape House. You can also get up close and personal with the American farm animals at the Kids’ Farm.

The San Diego Zoo was established in 1916 and is home to a remarkable collection of animals. With over 12,000 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, there is a lot to see and explore. You can encounter fascinating creatures like red pandas, African elephants, and bonobo apes during your visit. One such experience is the "Inside Look" program, which gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the daily life of the zoo. Another must-try is the Skyfari aerial tram, where you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of all the different habitats in the zoo.

The Bronx Zoo occupies more than 265 acres. Within this space, there are over 10,000 animals for you to encounter. Plan to spend a whole day there. They offer a range of experiences, such as the Treetop Adventure, where visitors can enjoy ziplining through the trees. You can also visit the zoo's Butterfly Garden and witness over a dozen types of butterflies among meadow flowers and nectar trays. You don't want to miss the Congo Gorilla Forest or the Wild Asia Monorail.