National Zoo Day

Happy National Zoo Day! While I am first to admit that animals should stay in their natural habitats whenever possible, oftentimes captive populations are the only hope for species that are in danger. The members of the American Zoological Association (AZA) are at the forefront of conservation efforts of endangered creatures – protecting and breeding animals in captivity helps species get back on its feet and monitors problems as well. If you're curious why they are calling 2008 the Year of the Frog, read more

In honor of National Zoo Day, we want to share some of our favorite zoo books with you.

Look Who's Talking! At the Zoo by Danny Tepper is a colorful pop up book that is sure to have your lil one cheering for more. The mouths of the animals are cut out allowing you to bark and howl like the furry beings themselves. Your babe will love watching you bring the pages to life.

A delightful book by Peggy Rathmann, Good Night Gorilla is about a tired zoo keeper who tucks all of his zoo friends away for the night only to be followed home by every single one of them. The book is celebrated for the illustrations as much as the text. And, you can buy the sweet book in Spanish, Buenas Noches Gorilla, too.

For the older child, Zoo in the Sky is a fantastic book to introduce your kiddo to constellations. They'll be fascinated to know that animals don't just live in the zoo, but also in the heavens. Pretty soon your tots will be staring up in space in search of lions and horses at bedtime.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! It's your babe's birthday and she just loves animals or maybe you're one of those uber moms that has hired a petting zoo. Either way, there are some great zoo inspired products that are sure to make your kid's party a hit.

• Decorate the room with striped and spotted zebra and leopard balloons. Tie them to backs of chairs, party favor boxes, and leave them hovering from the ceiling.

To see more zoo themed party ideas, read more

Today is National Visit the Zoo Day, but before you go out to visit your local animal park consider supporting animals that are still able to live in their natural habitats. For $25, The World Wildlife Fund adoption center offers you the opportunity to sponsor endangered species from pygmy elephants to whale sharks to anacondas. Your child will receive an adoption certificate and photograph of the animal while your donation helps support the WWF's to efforts to save the species from extinction.