Archives for June 18, 2020

Book of the week: The ABC’s of LGBT+ by Ashley Mardell

The ABC’s of LGBT+ is a #1 Bestselling LGBT book and is essential reading for questioning teens, teachers or parents looking for advice–or anyone who wants to learn how to talk about gender identity and sexual identity. We are living in a post-binary world where gender fluency and a real understanding of our LGBT+ family is essential. Ashley Mardell, one of the most trusted voices on YouTube, presents a detailed look at all things LGBT+ in this remarkable book. Along with in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more, Mardell’s LGBT book is proof that it does get better every day in a world where people are empowered by information and understanding. In Mardell’s own words, “This book is also for allies and LGBT+ people simply looking to pack in some extra knowledge… a critical part of acceptance. Learning about new identities broadens our understanding of humanity, heightens our empathy, and allows us different, valuable perspectives.”  I recommend this book highly, especially for teenagers! Find this book on Bookshop and Amazon!

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample of this book to feature. Cover image was also provided.

Los Angeles Zoo Launches New Online Store

hop Now for Eco-Friendly Merchandise, Gorilla Collection to Celebrate Baby Angela, Educational Toys, New Line of Zoo-Branded Masks and Plenty of Plush Animals 

The L.A. Zoo is proud to announce the launch of the new L.A. Zoo online store, offering a variety of engaging Zoo merchandise for adults and kids.  Now, animal-lovers everywhere can shop for their favorite animal plush pals, zoo-inspired toys, colorful apparel, popular souvenirs, accessories and gifts.  The L.A. Zoo store also offers a brand-new Zoo Mask collection, including an animal-themed option, as well as masks featuring the iconic Ruben Rojas “Love” logo.  Ruben Rojas created the “Love” mural which has become a top photo spot located at the Zoo.  

Fans of Baby Angela can check out the Gorilla Collection, to celebrate the first baby gorilla born at the L.A. Zoo in more than 20 years. 

Other highlighted collections include: Quest Toys for tikes, the L.A. Zoo Logo collection, and the Save the World/Share Our World collection.  The Save the Future, Share Our World line features 5% recycled plastic and creates awareness among younger generations about endangered species, echoing the L.A. Zoo’s mission of saving animals from extinction. 

L.A. Zoo is also proud to offer select products from Ecokins, made by Wild Republic.  Ecokins are plush animals made from 100% recycled materials; each plush is made with reclaimed water bottle materials, embroidered eyes, paper tags, and biodegradable packaging. 

“We chose some of our best-selling items so they would be available for anyone to buy online, regardless of whether the zoo is open or closed. We also decided to add masks so people could show their love and support for the L.A. Zoo,” says Fabian De La Torre, Assistant General Manager for SSA, the concessionaire company providing retail, food and beverage for the Los Angeles Zoo.   

The store will continually add new items for sale so Zoo fans should check back regularly.  Please note, orders may be delayed due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. 

All items are on sale now at Shop.LAZoo.org; or go to LAZoo.org and click “SHOP.”

About The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA)
The private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), which has supported the Zoo in partnership with the City of Los Angeles for more than five decades and provides funding for and operates seven essential Zoo departments, has 55,000 member households representing more than 210,000 adults and children. As evidence of the Zoo’s popularity, GLAZA attracts one of the largest membership bases of any cultural organization in Los Angeles.

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.