St. Louis Zoo Celebrates National Pollinator Week | Environment

One out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators. Honeybees, bumblebees and other insects, birds and small mammals pollinate over 90 percent of the planet's flowering plants and one third of human food crops.

June 18-24, 2012 has been declared “National Pollinator Week” to recognize the importance of pollinators for the health of ecosystems as well as our own survival.

During this week, the Monsanto Insectarium will host keeper chats, demonstrations on attracting bees to gardens, identifying different types of bees, beekeeping and more. The Painted Giraffe restaurant will offer daily specials featuring food provided by pollinators.

The Zoo is offering a special “Pollinator Dinner” on Thursday, June 21 in The Living World. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with a honey tasting, informational booths and cash bar serving mead. Guests may make a “bee hotel” to take home for their gardens.

The gourmet dinner buffet includes salads, sides, main courses and desserts prepared with ingredients provided by pollinators, such as almonds, strawberries, lemons, a variety of vegetables, honey, chocolate and more.

After dinner, the Zoo’s curator of invertebrates, Ed Spevak, will speak about simple ways humans can help bees, and how bees are beneficial to humans. Reservations are $31.50 for adults and $20 for children ages 12 and under. Reservations can be made by calling (314) 646-4897. Proceeds benefit the Zoo.