'Trail of the Lorax' Comes to the Philadelphia Zoo

On Saturday, March 31, the Philadelphia Zoo in partnership with the world-renowned Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P. present the opening of “Trail of the Lorax,” an engaging exhibit that educates visitors on conservation and saving wildlife. The Zoo is also happy to partner with Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s new 3D-CG feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax in theatres this Friday, March 2.

The exhibit will run from March 31 through October.

In the “Trail of the Lorax,” a live interactive exhibit at Philadelphia Zoo, Dr. Seuss’ cautionary tale of The Lorax becomes a frame through which kids can experience and understand the very real correlation between human enterprise and destruction of animal habitat.  

The exhibit will focus on a real world similarity to the fictional Bar-ba-loots and Swomee-Swans—the endangered orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra.

“Ted (a.k.a ‘Dr. Seuss’) was ahead of his time when he wrote ‘The Lorax’ and the UNLESS message is more important today than ever,” said Susan Brandt, President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.  “We are proud to partner with the Philadelphia Zoo to bring the story of ‘The Lorax’ to life and introduce a real world situation to children so they feel empowered to make a difference.”

“Trail of the Lorax” will consist of eight informational stations and a dynamic two-story active play and exploration space known as “Lorax Loft.”  

Combining Seussian illustrations and surprising facts about orangutan life, these elements will bridge the two worlds, enabling children to see the reality behind Dr. Seuss’ parable.  From a visitor perspective, the trail will include elements of a treasure hunt, with kids searching for hidden facts that are visible only through 3D glasses.  

Kids may also enjoy a colorful mini-movie featuring the vocal talents of Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron and Taylor Swift, the stars of the animated adventure Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.

“Trail of the Lorax” is an engaging way to present what orangutans are facing in the very near future,” says Vikram H. Dewan, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo. “Our hope is that the exhibit will inspire and empower guests to make good choices in their everyday lives that can create a better future for wild orangutans and other species.” 

Throughout 2012, the Philadelphia Zoo will celebrate The Year of the Orangutan, and make a commitment of creativity, energy and resources designed to create significant contributions to one goal: save wild orangutans from extinction.  

The strategy is to coordinate programming, marketing, exhibition and interpretation to create awareness and a demand for sustainable palm oil in the U.S. and around the globe.

According to the timeless words of Dr. Seuss in “The Lorax”—“UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.”

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About Dr. Seuss:

Theodor “Seuss” Geisel is quite simply the most beloved children’s book author of all time.  Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984, an Academy Award®, three Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and three Caldecott Honors, Geisel wrote and illustrated 44 books for children.  Hundreds of millions of copies have found their way into homes and hearts around the world.  In his lifetime, Dr. Seuss was an early advocate for conservation.  While Theodor Geisel died on September 24, 1991, Dr. Seuss lives on, inspiring generations of children of all ages to explore the joys of reading

Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.:

Founded in 1993 by Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss Enterprises maintains the integrity of the original Dr. Seuss books, characters and their invaluable contribution to children’s literacy.  Dr. Seuss Enterprises remains committed to Ted’s early conservation efforts and partners with organizations doing their part to make a difference.

About The Philadelphia Zoo:

America’s first zoo and one of the region’s foremost conservation organizations, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to more than 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered.  The Zoo, fulfilling its mission of conservation, science, education and recreation, supports and engages in conservation efforts to protect endangered species around the world.  The Philadelphia region’s leading family destination, the Zoo welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors last year.  The Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  For more information on the Philadelphia Zoo, as well as to purchase and print tickets online, visit us at www.philadelphiazoo.org.  Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.

Information courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo