GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — John Ball Zoo and Celebration Cinema are teaming up to help lions. The partnership coincides with the release of "The Lion King" movie and Lion Day at John Ball Zoo.
It's an effort to raise awareness and education towards conservation of African lions.
Africa’s lion numbers are declining. Since the original The Lion King was first released 25 years ago, half of the Africa’s lions have been lost. Only 20,000 remain.
This decline and need for increased conservation efforts are what brought John Ball Zoo and Celebration Cinema together.
Lion Day at John Ball Zoo is Saturday, July 20. Guests can learn about African lions in the wild and at the Zoo. Activities will focus on education, including learning how one person can make a conservation difference through actions both big and small.
Michigan State University's Snares to Wares will also be onsite to talk about their work improving human livelihood and protecting wildlife in and around the village of Pakwach, Uganda.
John Ball Zoo guests are also encouraged to watch The Lion King at Celebration Cinema. The first 2,000 Zoo guests through the gate on July 20 will receive a coupon good at any Celebration Cinema location for a free popcorn with paid admission to The Lion King.
The partnership makes seeing the Zoo's African animals easier too. People can receive 50% off a paid admission at the Zoo with proof of admission to The Lion King at Celebration Cinema.
The Lion King movie at Celebration Cinemas opens on Friday, July 19th.
For locations and to purchase The Lion King tickets online, visit Celebration Cinema at celebrationcinema.com.
Details on Lion’s Day and John Ball Zoo, visit jbzoo.org.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
If you would like more information about advertising with 13 ON YOUR SIDE, please contact Jeff Olsen at jolsen@wzzm13.com.