When kids celebrate a birthday, there's cake and ice cream, but hardly ever a gorilla.

But from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Oklahoma City Zoo, children of all ages are invited to a birthday party for Earth that will include just that and much more.

Candice Rennels, public relations technician for the zoo, said "Party for the Planet" will offer a little more than just fun and games.

"We are celebrating everything about the planet," Rennels said. "The animals, the plants and just being aware about how we can take care of it. Conservation is a big part of this event."

ENTERTAINMENT
Among the partygoers will be a young dance group from Columbus Elementary School. Participants even will get to participate in a special gorilla feeding at 3 p.m.

But the main focus of the day is on planet Earth.

"It's all the little thing that add up to a bigger purpose, which is protecting our planet," Rennels said.

The party is free with regular admission. For more information, visit the OKC Zoo Web site. "Krista Nightengale