EL PASO, Texas -- The children who visited the El Paso Zoo and the sea lion exhibit on Thursday are not only learning about sea lions, but the importance of recycling all at the same time. It is just one of the many ways that the zoo is going green.

Valerie Hearn with the zoo said they get recyclables all the time from El Pasoans to use at the zoo.

"Things like cardboard boxes from your soda cans, from your cereal boxes, and newspapers, of course," said Hearn.

Now the zoo wants to not just be green, but teach green, with its annual "Party For The Planet."

"A lot of people are going green these days and we want to encourage them and help them find out ways that they can do things to help out Earth," Hearn told KFOX.

Hearn said a number of exhibitors will be on hand to teach El Pasoans how to help the planet, but it's not just for adults.

"There's going to be festivities, games, things for the kids to enjoy, lots of activities for everyone in the family," said Hearn.

Mary Jezior is visiting from New Jersey, and loves what the zoo is doing.

"I think it's wonderful. This country is in trouble with heat and air, we need to teach our children and the zoo is a good place to start," said Jezior.

She believes the expected attendance of more than 3,000 people to the event says something positive about the community.

"We just have to do everything we can, this is a precious planet," said Jezior.

Tickets for Saturday's event are just $5 for adults and $3 for children.