LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's Note: The above video welcoming Sundara the red panda to the Louisville Zoo is from May 16, 2023.
The Louisville Zoo's annual gala, Zoofari, will be red panda themed, in honor of Sundara, one of the newest members of the Louisville Zoo family.
On Friday, June 7, 2024, community leaders and Zoo advocates will come together during the "Red PANDAmonium" themed gala to benefit animal care and conservation education.
Zoo officials say the event will raise funds to support the renovation of the MetaZoo Discovery Center and Animal Ambassador Program.
“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our Friends board members who annually design and create a night of fanciful, whimsical fun and fundraising at the Zoo. We are fortunate to have so many in the community join us in honoring the work of our team and their commitment to species conservation and education,” Zoo Director Dan Maloney said.
The Zoo is expecting over 400 people to attend the gala. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a silent auction, a performance by River Lotus Lion Dance, a bourbon pull and more.
Guests attending the full event program will also experience exclusive animal encounters, a cocktail reception, live auction, a three-course meal and — for this year only — select lanterns from the Wild Lights lantern festival.
Partygoers are encouraged to get "black-tie creative" to fit the “Red PANDAmonium” event theme. When in doubt, animal print or floral dresses, tuxes and ties are always a good choice. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as this event encompasses several areas within the Zoo.
Zoofari will begin at 6 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m. A late-night ticket option is also available with entry at 8:30 p.m. All guests must be 21 years of age or older.
Mix and Mingle tickets, which include live music, cocktails, late night bites and more, are $150 per person. Full Program tickets are $400 per person.
If you're interested in attending the Zoofari Gala this year, click here.
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