Rendezvouz at the Zoo: GLAZA’s annual Beastly Ball is a roaring success

The enchantment of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s annual Beastly Ball unfolded from Golden Hour to twilight, igniting an after-hours atmosphere of celebration, adventure and philanthropy in support of wildlife conservation initiatives, veterinary care, education programs, and more.

As guests entered the zoo’s gates, they were welcomed to a hosted bar and an interactive display of parmesan truffle chips before boarding shuttles to take them to the grounds.

An array of surprises awaited guests at every corner as they strolled through the lush grounds. Food, wine, and cocktail stations featuring local, regional, and global cuisine from popular LA eateries and caterers like Little Sister, the LA Zoo’s Taste of the Wild Catering, Lalo Tequila, Sammy’s Beach Bar Cocktail Company offered a wide range of samplings to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Artistic performances that showcased the beauty and grace of wildlife through movement; creative photo stations to capture the magic of the evening; the sounds of steel drums and live music that filled the air with melodies; and magicians and tarot readers; took place at various locations, leaving guests of all ages captivated and spellbound.

The evening raised more than $1.6 million, making it the second highest grossing fundraiser in the Los Angeles Zoo’s history. The proceeds ensured that the zoo could continue its vital conservation initiatives, provide top-notch veterinary care to its animal residents, and expand its educational programs to nurture a love for wildlife in future generations.

Actor, comedian, and host Joel McHale emceed the event for the fourth time, leading a rousing fund-a-need paddle raise during the evening’s program to benefit the organization’s Zoo Pals Program, which provides under-resourced schools and groups with free admission and free transportation to the Los Angeles Zoo.

“Los Angeles knows how to throw a good party, but there is no better place to spend an evening than at the Los Angeles Zoo for our annual Beastly Ball. We are grateful for all our friends, from corporate sponsors and city officials to guests who gave so generously during our fund-a-need paddle raise. This historic night of fundraising was the second highest grossing event in our 50 plus years of hosting this gala.”

— Tom Jacobson, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's president.

Also announced during the program was the renaming of the Zoo Pals program to Betty White's Zoo Pals in honor of the late actress and longtime Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association trustee. Her estate contributed matching funds to the night’s fund-a-need paddle raise. In addition, honorees this year included longtime City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, who was honored posthumously with the Betty White Conservation Hero Award for his unwavering support of the L.A. Zoo and surrounding Griffith Park, as well as former GLAZA Trustee Diann H. Kim, who has dedicated the last 12 years to helping shape the future of GLAZA and the Zoo.

The party continued after the program with dancing, live music, carousel rides, drinks, and desserts from McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Milk Jar Cookies, John Kelly Chocolates, Krispy Kreme donuts, and Don Francisco’s coffee.

“This year’s Beastly Ball was truly a magical and unforgettable evening. Words cannot express how thankful I am to all of the generous donors, friends, and supporters who came together not only to support the Los Angeles Zoo and our mission of saving wildlife, enriching our communities, and creating connections to nature, but also to honor the legacy and dedication of our friend, late Councilmember Tom LaBonge, and GLAZA Trustee Diann Kim. This incredible generosity supports the Zoo’s journey to fulfill our vision of creating a world where people and wildlife thrive together.”

— Denise M. Verret, CEO & Zoo Director, Los Angeles Zoo

As the night drew to a close, guests departed with hearts filled with gratitude, knowing that their presence at the ball had made a tangible difference. The event had not only showcased the zoo's magnificence but had also fostered a deeper understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation.

Support the LOS ANGELES ZOO