ZOO CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
502-238-5331 (Media Cell 502-744-5639)
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
“Roaring into the Twenties” is the theme for this year’s annual Zoo fundraiser
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 20, 2022) — Step back into the Prohibition era on Saturday, June 11, when you join the Friends of the Louisville Zoo for Zoofari! 2022. Presented by Brown-Forman, this year’s “Roaring into the Twenties” theme encourages attendees to dawn their best flapper and 1920s-style attire for a wild night of animal encounters, live music, specialty food & cocktails, a silent and live auction, and a new VIP speakeasy.
Back in person for the first time since 2019, all guests will have access to heavy appetizers and drinks in the Islands exhibit (home to the Sumatran tiger, orangutans, siamangs, and Malayan tapirs) before moving to a covered tent at the Oasis Field with live music by Cover Me Badd, dancing, drinks, silent and live auctions, and more. Full Event Access allows early entry to the event, plus a multiple course catered dinner. New this year, a VIP Mix & Mingle ticket purchase will allow access to a new private VIP speakeasy stocked with an exclusive signature drink, lounge seating and more.
Guests must be 21 years of age or older and show a valid ID to attend the event. Dinner tickets are sold out. Mix and Mingle Access packages are still available! Tickets are now on sale at louisvillezoo.org/zoofari and can be purchased from the following ticket options:
- SOLD OUT! Full Event Access, 6 – 11 p.m.: Includes a semi-private reception with cocktails, animal encounters and heavy appetizers in the Islands exhibit area starting at 6 p.m. Guests then make their way to the Oasis event field for a multiple-course dinner, private bar area, exclusive animal presentations and a live auction before joining Mix & Mingle event guests for music, dancing and more until 11 p.m.
- Classic Mix & Mingle Access, 8 – 11 p.m.: Includes animal encounters, cocktails and heavy appetizers in the Islands exhibit area starting at 8 p.m. followed by the Oasis event field activities until 11 p.m.
- New! VIP Mix & Mingle Access, 8 – 11 p.m.: Includes Classic Mix & Mingle Access + exclusive access to the private VIP speakeasy.
- Discounted Friends of the Zoo Summer Event Series Pass: Includes VIP access to both Zoofari! (June 11) and Brew at the Zoo (August 27).
Proceeds raised from Zoofari! will support renovations to the Louisville Zoo’s MetaZoo education facility and Animal Ambassador Program. The program introduces animals to students and families during activities such as Safari Day Camps and virtual learning sessions, special events, community festivals and outreach experiences. Through continued conservation education with animal ambassadors, the Zoo will have the opportunity to introduce and nurture an appreciation for all species and our place in this world.
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About the Louisville Zoo
Since 2011, under Mayor Fischer’s administration, the Louisville Zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary, opened nine new exhibits and attractions, and won national awards for Glacier Run and School at the Zoo. Considered Kentucky’s most popular not-for-profit paid attraction, the Zoo welcomed nearly 9 million guests in the last decade. In 2021, the Zoo was voted “Best Place to Take Kids in Summer,” by LEO Weekly, “Best Kid-Friendly Attraction” by Kentucky Living Magazine and Boo at the Zoo made the Top 10 Halloween Festivals list by thetravel.com. Community Access Memberships, deep-discount days, the Future Healers Got Zoo Buddies partnership and the accessible playground are among prime efforts to make Louisville Zoo even safer, more engaging, and more inclusive. Among the Louisville Zoo’s most successful conservation programs, the black-footed ferret breeding effort produced 1,100 kits and repatriated more than 800 of these most highly endangered, American mammals to the wild.
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).
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.
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