Celebrating the Solar Eclipse: How Our Community Made a Difference

LITTLE ROCK (August 15, 2024) - The Little Rock Zoo is excited to share the incredible success of our recent solar eclipse glasses collection project! After the total solar eclipse in April, we received a staggering total of 33,090 gently used and unused eclipse glasses. This amazing achievement was made possible thanks to our dedicated community, the hard work of our teen volunteers, and the leadership of our Zoo Conservation and Research Coordinator, Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz.

A Huge Thanks to Our Volunteers

A special shoutout goes to Kellie’s teen volunteers, especially Madison and Isabella, who put in a remarkable 36 hours sorting, counting, and packing the glasses. Their dedication played a crucial role in ensuring that these glasses could be sent to other locations through our partnership with Astronomers Without Borders.

Nationwide Support

Our collection effort was met with enthusiasm from across Arkansas and beyond. Donations poured in from states including Arizona, Montana, Oklahoma, Florida, New York, and Maryland. In addition to the glasses that can be reused, we were able to recycle 1,315 pairs. This effort not only extended the life of the glasses but also contributed to keeping resources out of landfills.

Community Spirit and Environmental Impact

We’re thrilled with the response to this program and proud of our community’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By participating in this project, everyone who donated played a part in celebrating the solar eclipse and supporting a sustainable future.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this successful initiative. Your support and involvement help us continue our mission to inspire conservation and education at the Little Rock Zoo.

Check out some photos of the glasses collection and our amazing volunteers below!

Teen Volunteers sorting on day one.

Glasses before sorting.

Teen volunteers Madison and Isabella sorting.

Teen volunteers counting.

Teen volunteers Madison and Isabella with finished boxes of sorted glasses.

Photo Credits: Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz, Zoo Conservation and Research Coordinator. 

Learn more about the Little Rock Zoo Teen Volunteer Program here.