Zoofari header image. Features the snow leopard themed logo with the dates of the event: Friday, June 13 from 6 to 11 p.m. Copy also reads: cocktails, dancing, animals, auctions, live music, bourbon pull. Event is 21+

Zoofari 2025 – Animal Adoptions

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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?

Impress your friends, grandchildren, neighbors, co-workers and social media followers with your exclusive animal adoption. With your Zoofari animal adoption, you will receive special benefits, including:
  • A plaque displayed at your adopted animal’s exhibit with your name or organization’s name to recognize your adoption
  • An exclusive opportunity to share a meal, tour and quality time with your adopted animal and their care team.
  • A collectable, specially commissioned Zoofari hand-made silver julep cup featuring a snow leopard
  • An animal adoption certificate
  • A plush of your adopted animal

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:

  • Snow Leopards
  • Polar Bears
  • Sloths
  • Red Pandas

Animal Pre-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 during the live auction the night of the event. Pre-adoption will guarantee you adopt exactly who you want!

$15,000 Adoption Fee

  • Gorillas
  • Koalas
  • Masai Giraffes
  • Seals and Sea Lions
  • Sumatran Tiger

$10,000 Adoption Fee

  • African Lions
  • Colobus Monkeys
  • Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras
  • Meerkats
  • Orangutans
  • Penguins (Little & African)

$5,000 Adoption Fee

  • Aldabra Giant Tortoise
  • Babirusa Pigs
  • Binturong
  • Cassowary
  • Dalmatian Pelicans
  • Flamingos
  • Grizzly Bear
  • Komodo Dragon
  • Lorikeets
  • Macaw
  • Pygmy Hippo
  • Rhinoceros
  • Siamangs
  • Toucan
  • Wallabies
  • Warthogs

How to Adopt an Animal?

Please contact the Louisville Zoo’s Development Office at (502) 238-5615 to learn more!

AUCTION

The live auction occurs the night of the event and will feature unique items, experiences and animal adoptions.

If you would like more information or wish to donate to our silent auction, please contact FriendsOfTheLouisvilleZoo@gmail.com.


DONATE

This event would not be possible without generous support from dedicated community members and businesses. All proceeds from Zoofari directly benefit the Zoo’s capital projects and superior work to “better the bond between people and our planet” through conserving species, caring for animals and educating the community, while helping families make special memories.

Donate Here

There is no donation too small or too large! Every gift, regardless of size, can make a difference.

Footer for the Zoofari page that thanks the sponsors of the event and features logos for Brown-Forman, LG&E and KU, Baird, Whittenburg Construction, Forvis Mazars, Kosair for Kids, Bardstown Bourbon, Green River Distilling, Central Bank, Dentons, Flynn Brothers, Frost Brown Todd, Lawyers Mutual of Kentucky, Mark & Kate Loyd, Monroe Shrine, Schmidt Associates, SSA Group, Stites & Harbison, Tara & Jasper Ward, Weber Group, Zoeller Pump Company, Alex Davis Law, Becky Phillips, Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, Dave & Buster's, Debbie King, McCarthy Strategic Solutions, Steve Savage & Becca Booth, Louisville Business First, Outfront, Pattie Dale Tye and Yum!


Zoofari is hosted by the Friends of the Louisville Zoo board. The Friends of the Louisville Zoo (FOZ) was established in 1969 and is a 100% volunteer managed 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN #61-0721682), raising funds to support the enhancement and expansion of The Louisville Zoo.

logo - brown lettering friends of theZOO, Louisville, Raising Funds to Preserve a Legacy