A long-standing Zoofari tradition is for guests to have the opportunity to “adopt” an animal. Adoption of an animal can occur in advance of Zoofari or during the live auction By pre-adopting you can secure the animal of your choice.

Why adopt an animal at the Louisville Zoo?

You will receive specific benefits along with your Zoofari animal adoption:

• Impress your friends, grandchildren, neighbors, co-workers and your social media followers!
• Plaque recognizing your adoption at the animal’s exhibit for one year.
• Invitations throughout the year to spend quality time with your adopted animal and their care team
• Zoofari event-themed hand-made silver julep cup featuring a red panda
• Adoption Certificate
• Plush Animal

How to Adopt an Animal?

You can adopt an animal by filling out the pre-adoption commitment form and sending it to:

Friends of the Louisville Zoo
1100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY 40213

Please note that animals are adopted on a first-come basis. Once your form is received, the Louisville Zoo’s development team will contact you.

Night-of Animal Adoption

A select group of animals will  be available for adoption during the Zoofari live auction. This year, we will auction off adoption rights for the following:

• Polar Bear
• Sloth
• Red Panda
• Mystery Animal!! (To be announced soon)

Animal Adoption List

Consider adding a Zoo animal to your family or employee roster for the next year! Adoption of an animal can occur in advance of Zoofari! or the night-of the event. Pre-adoption will guarantee you adopt exactly who you want!

All adoptions will be recognized on a plaque at the animal’s exhibit area for the next year.  Donors will also receive an event-themed hand-made silver julep cup, plush animal, adoption certificate and exclusive access throughout the year to spend quality time with your adopted animal and their care team.

$25,000 Adoption Fee

• Animal Health Center
• Masai Giraffes
• Amur Tigers & Sumatran Tigers

$17,500 Adoption Fee

• Snow Leopards
• Gorillas
• Orangutans

$15,000 Adoption Fee

• Seals and Sea Lions
• Penguins

$10,000 Adoption Fee

• Aldabra Giant Tortoises
• Rhinoceros
• Pygmy Hippos
• African Lions
• Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras
• Meerkats

$5,000 Adoption Fee

• Grizzly Bear
• Albino Alligator
• Komodo Dragon
• Bongos
• Lorikeets
• Babirusa Pigs
• Siamangs
• Steller’s Sea Eagle Aviary
• Colobus Monkeys
• Warthogs