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.

Guests can meet young author and conservation advocate Erin Chang, author of the children’s book Seven Toes. Other activities include conservation craft stations where kids can make a pocket-sized elephant using recycled materials. Education stations illustrate how elephants use their dexterous trunks, the differences between Asian and African elephants and the art and science of elephant enrichment.