Jaisman Travelbee from the Hutchinson Zoo explains the zoo’s program to treat injured wildlife and return them to their normal habitat during Party for The Planet on Apr. 19, 2025 CREDIT RICHARD SHANK
By Richard Shank
The Salt City got an early start Saturday in observing Earth Day, with a 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. event called “Party for the Planet” held at the Hutchinson Zoo.
Earth Day events worldwide are slated for Tuesday, April 22, the 35th anniversary of the first observance held on this date in 1970. Today, nearly 200 countries, with a combined population of over one billion people, participate in Earth Day.
Its website defines Earth Day as an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
Not even a cool Saturday morning could dampen the spirits of parents and young children walking around the nine-acre zoo, visiting with representatives of local organizations and attractions. The 160 animals that call the zoo home seemed attentive to the weekend visitors and appeared to be enjoying their company.
Sierra Wood, Education Coordinator for the zoo, dubbed the event an opportunity to celebrate our ecosystem, which, as she said, “Makes Hutchinson awesome.”
Local groups set up tables throughout the zoo to discuss their programs, including the Dillon Nature Center. A handout pamphlet describes the center as an attraction with “beautiful gardens, bronze sculpture, and nature-themed art exhibits.” Those wishing to view nature in its purest form are invited to take the walking trails, open daily from dawn to dusk.
Amy Johnson, Youth Outreach Coordinator for the Hutchinson Public Library, said the library works closely with area schools and touted the organization’s summer programs.
Stepheni Phillips, a beekeeper with Nickerbee Farms near Nickerson, was on hand marketing honey products, including soap and candles.
Pat Droste, a representative of the 52-member Master Gardener Club of Hutchinson, was available to invite locals to the annual 2025 Garden Tour, slated for Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Droste said she hopes the event will spark a conversation about planting garden plants.
A table attracting considerable attention explained the zoo’s program to rehabilitate injured wildlife. Jaisman Travelbee, a representative from the zoo, spoke with passion about a program believed to be the largest of its kind in Kansas. “During 2025, the Hutchinson Zoo rehabilitated 830 rescued wildlife,” Travelbee said. “The species and animals treated included gray horned owls, fox puppies, squirrels, birds, possums and others.”
“Treatments included everything from broken bones to hydration issues,” she continued.
Travelbee said all services are without charge, but donations are accepted. “In some situations, we assess the situation and decide no treatment is needed,” Travelbee said.
When the rehabilitation is completed, animals and birds are released back into their natural habitat, which may be a field in the country or even Carey Park.
The six-hour event offered something for everyone. For party enthusiasts, one could pick up a paper party hat. Photographer Molly Foster displayed high-quality pictures she had taken of birds and wildlife, which were offered for sale.
One participating organization, Hutch in Harmony, may not have discussed topics such as gardening and wildlife preservation, but it did have a message urging everyone to work together as a team.
Hutch Harmony’s mission and vision state: “We encourage community bridge-building through advocacy, empowerment, and multi-faceted strategic impact that is productive of social justice. We envision a vibrant, inclusive community where all residents can find empowerment and belonging, free from exploitative systems and discrimination.”
One Hutchonian said attendance at the Party for the Planet reaffirmed the city has a long list of organizations that work tirelessly for the good of the community—a true testimonial for what happened on Saturday.
