The 42nd Annual Beastly Ball at the L.A. Zoo is Coming! – June 16th

Elephants, tigers and bear at the Los Angeles Zoo need money, oh my. For over four decades, the Beastly Ball, has raised over $1 million dollars each year for the Zoo. In these budget trying times, such funding has become ever more important.

Three Sleeping Tigers

Beastly Ball attendees will enjoy a magical evening of animals and entertainment. Experiences will include strolling through the Zoo after hours viewing its inhabitants, observing animal feeding while chatting with animal keepers. Guest will also be able to view small animals up close. Food will be catered by some of L.A.’s most popular restaurants, such as Clancy’s Crab Broiler. El Cholo – Los Angeles, Jersey Mike’s Subs- Pasadena and La Canada, The Federal Bar, Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Taix French Restaurant, and Yummy Cupcakes (Brentwood, Burbank and Santa Monica). The event will also include a live and silent auction! Check out the auction guide here. There will also be entertainment by world music groups, and dancing to music from popular D.J. Morningstar.

On hand for the preview was Betty White! Betty joined the board of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) in 1974 and has been a member ever since.

Betty White Speaks while Zoo Director John Lewis Looks On

GLAZA is a not for profit corporation created “to support the Los Angeles Zoo in its mission to nurture wildlife and enrich the human experience. GLAZA’s primary responsibility is to seek and provide financial support for the Zoo’s programs and capital projects.” As Betty said at the occasion of her 90th birthday: “Without zoos to provide a refuge for endangered animals; without zoos to carry out breeding programs to ensure the survival of species; without zoos to provide opportunities for young people to see and learn about animals so that they will grow up to become the conservationists of tomorrow—the world will be a pretty sad place.” The Beastly Ball is just one of GLAZA’s fund raising activities.

Entrance to LAIR

This year’s event will also celebrate the opening of The LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates and Reptiles). LAIR encompasses over 60 species of amphibians, invertebrates and reptiles from around the world in 49 exhibits. Creatures include Sonoran toads, Mexican giant horned lizards, poison dart frogs, Madagascar radiated tortoises and others.

Fish Tank in LAIR

Viewing Reptiles in the LAIR

The Honorable and former mayor of Los Angeles, Richard Riordan, will be honored as a champion for wildlife and conservation. Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) will also receive the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award named after the screenwriter/director/producer and former Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) president who died of pancreatic cancer in 2010.