The evening started with a Woma Python photo opp, so I knew that the L.A. Zoo’s annual Beastly Ball would be an event to remember. I was born and raised in LA, and yet, I had no idea that for 52 years, the L.A. Zoo was host to one of the most elaborate and important fundraisers. It was nearly one year ago today that we were feeding flamingos and enjoying some of the best food in LA in the name of conservation. This year, in light of our country’s shutdown due to COVID-19, Beastly Ball is going virtual.
Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s Beastly Ball
Beastly Ball is a critical fundraiser which supports the animal care and conservation work that takes place at the L.A. Zoo. The mission of the L.A. Zoo is to advocate for animal conservation and habitat preservation for some of the world’s most rare and vulnerable species, including the California condor, mountain yellow-legged frogs, and peninsular pronghorn antelope. Each year, the gala spectacular brings together celebrities, industry experts, city officials, and zoo supporters for a truly wild night of food, fun, and fundraising.
Last year, the private, ticketed event hosted 800 guests and raised approximately $1.2 million for the protection of endangered animals. The event is truly unique in that guests are treated to a rare, after-hours look at the zoo. Once we checked in, we took a van to the designated, tree-lined route and began our delve into animal encounters and exotic culinary delights. Live music, keeper chats, animal feedings, and roaming wildlife-inspired entertainment added to the ambiance of the event. Beastly Ball culminated in one of the most impressive auctions I’ve experienced, where bidders vied for their chance to name one of the baby animals born at the zoo, enjoy breakfast with the L.A. Zoo elephants, and embark on a luxury island vacation.
Virtual Beastly Ball + Virtual Swag
This year, Beastly Ball is going virtual. The good news is that unlike previous events, which had limited capacity and a substantial starting price for tickets, anyone can enjoy Beastly Ball online this year. The LA Zoo wants you to put on your wildest outfit and join them online for their virtual Beastly Ball at 6:00 pm on May 15, 2020.
This year’s ball will feature an auction of 140 items including including a condor field experience for two, a “research experience” with the gorilla troop, stays in France, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados, a guitar signed by the members of Guns N’ Roses, a photo day with zoo photographer Jamie Pham, tickets to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Kings, a behind-the-scenes tour of Los Angeles City Hall by City Councilman Paul Krekorian and a $50 Vons gift card with a coveted four pack of toilet paper and a roll of paper towels. Auction bidding begins at 10 a.m. on Friday will close at 10 p.m. on May 17th.
Celebrate National Endangered Species Day while supporting the zoo’s commitment to protect endangered species during this year’s Beastly Ball.
Beastly Ball Swag
Download free L.A. Zoo Zoom backgrounds.
Download the free L.A. Zoo Spring Babies Coloring Book.
Learn how to draw four of the L.A. Zoo’s endangered species from a Disney artist!
Download the Beastly Ball Spotify Playlist.
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