Living Desert hosting zoo gala for desert conservation efforts
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens will host its 26th Annual Zoobilee Gala in Aussie Outback fashion Saturday evening with a cocktail reception and up-close animal encounters.
The “Party in the Outback” theme of the gala will be brought to life with “Down Under” dining in celebration of the new Australian habitat that is set to open in late fall, Erin Scott from The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens said.
Primarily a fundraiser, the gala will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, entertainment and live auction at 7 p.m., said Scott.
“We are thankful for our generous patrons and donors, Living Desert and Gardens President and CEO Allen Monroe said. “It’s their ongoing support that allows us to continue our conservation efforts and expand our reach to help save endangered and threatened species.”
Gifts from donors will support renowned conservation initiatives, high-quality animal care and educate more than 100,000 children about life in the world’s deserts, Scott said.
The gala will also honor Patti and Jack Grunhofer for their leadership in the Pride of the Desert campaign, a $30 million project with the stated goal of enhancing and expanding the grounds of the zoo, which welcomes more than 500,000 guests a year, according to the zoo website. Recently, the zoo opened a new park entrance, which was named after the Grunhofers, in its first of three phases in the expansion project.
The gala is set to take place at the Patti and Jack Grunhofer Plaza and Living Legacy Garden at The Living Desert, 47900 Portola Ave.
