In honor of World Elephant Day,  the Los Angeles Zoo kicks off a weekend opportunities to explore and learn about elephants, especially the challenges they face in the wild.

World Elephant Day shines an international spotlight on Asian and African elephants, spreading awareness of the urgent threat of their extinction. Visitors can explore the Zoo's state-of-the-art Elephants of Asia habitat, with chances to learn about its four elephant residents and how they're cared for.

Behind-the-scenes barn tours, available to the public only once a year, take place from 11 am to 3 pm each day. 

The Toy Elephant Health Check-Up Station invites kids to bring their toy elephants (or other animals) for an examination, so they may receive a  certificate of health. 

Guests can meet young author and conservation advocate Erin Chang, author of the children's book Seven Toes.  Other activities include a chance to try out Boomer Ball Play Path (one of the elephants’ favorite enrichment activities), Henna Tattoos and a Green Screen Photo Booth.

Photo: Jamie Pham