Zoofari 2026 - Animal Adoptions

| HOME | TICKETS | SPONSORS | FAQS | AUCTION | CONTACT | ADOPTIONS |

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:

Giraffe
Amur Tiger
Polar Bears
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
Snow Leopard

$10,000 Adoption Fee

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

$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
Zoo Ambassador Animals (beaver, prehensile porcupine, skunks and seriema)

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.

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.