CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331 | Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
The Friends of the Louisville Zoo, together with Zoo leadership, has decided to cancel Brew at the Zoo and Wine, Too! scheduled for August 29, 2020. The event annually brings over 4,000 event participants and volunteers to the Zoo and with lots of close social interaction between guests.
“Protecting the health of Zoo guests, volunteers, staff and the animals is the top priority. Due to the nature of the event, it was determined that it would be best to cancel for this year,” said Friends of the Louisville Zoo Board President, Nancy Loucks. “We regret that our 4,000+ event guests will not gather this year to raise funds to support a great community resource, however, we are looking forward to 2021! We thank event attendees, volunteers, vendors and sponsors for their loyal support of Brew at the Zoo & Wine, Too! over the years and look forward to seeing everyone back next year!”
The Friends continue to seek ways to safely gather smaller groups of people to raise funds for the Zoo. “The need is still there. The Zoo is a tremendous asset for our city, state and region and we feel passionately that it should remain one for generations to come,” said Ms. Loucks. “To that end, we have been working with the Zoo to determine new ways that we can host another event this year that would allow for more social distancing while guests still enjoy the Zoo. We also plan to include an online silent auction with the new possible event. We are encouraging our donors and our event participants to stay tuned for details that we hope to announce soon.”
Since its initial closure to the public on March 17 the Louisville Zoo team has continued to provide for the daily needs of the animals and your Zoo thanks to the support of many generous donors and those that renewed their memberships over the last several months. The Zoo was able to reopen to members on June 12 and will open for general admission on July 4. Staff working on-site are wearing masks, cleaning high-touch areas frequently, practicing safe social distancing and following the steps outlined by Louisville Metro Government and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Guests have been asked to practice social distancing and are encouraged to wear a mask. While in phase one of reopening, the Zoo’s indoor locations and attractions such as the carousel remain closed. Through these additional safety measures, staff is staying healthy and the animals are doing well, and guests can enjoy their Zoo again.
About Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too!
Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too! would have been in its 17th year in 2020. Coordinated and hosted by the Friends of the Louisville Zoo, the event is one of the largest annual fundraising events for the Zoo. Proceeds benefit the Louisville Zoo’s mission to “better the bond between people and the planet” through award-winning exhibits, science and conservation education programs, and animal encounters.
About Friends of the Louisville Zoo
The Friends of the Louisville Zoo is a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to “raise funds to support a legacy.” Established in 1969, the Friends of the Louisville Zoo provide funding to help support the enhancement and expansion of the Louisville Zoo’s world-class exhibits, conservation education and animal encounters. The organization comprises more than 40 civic volunteers and hosts fundraising events throughout the year, including Zoofari! and Brew at the Zoo and Wine, Too!
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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).