POWELL, Ohio – When guests attend this year’s Zoofari event they will be directly supporting the reimagining of the North America region, the oldest area of the Zoo and home to threatened and rescued animals. Join us on June 17, 2023 from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., and enjoy a summer evening under the stars at Zoofari, presented by Fifth Third Bank.
Now in its 51st year, guests 21 years and older can expect some of their favorite features of this adults-only event with a few other surprises. Building on the past success of Zoofari, it was a strategic decision to revamp Zoofari to be one of the Zoo’s three marquee fundraising events benefitting our conservation work and mission. Funding for North America project and all mission-focused projects and initiatives comes from various sources, including federal and state grants, philanthropic donations, and the Zoo’s earned revenue. Zoofari will now play a key role in supporting the funding needs.
With this pivot in direction, increased ticket prices reflect the addition of elements to Zoofari that will enhance the guest experience. Some new features include but are not limited to: a live event artist, night-of animal experiences, pop-up auctions, bigger-name entertainment, and much more. Returning favorites include delicious food samplings and creative cocktails.
Guests can also choose between one of the following adventures:
- The comedic stylings of nationally-known comic, Pete Lee, at the Zoo’s Lakeside Theater
- Exciting musical entertainment at the Zoo’s Water’s Edge Events Park. (Watch for our band announcement soon!)
In addition to unique cuisine and entertainment, Zoofari guests (and other Ohio residents) can enter the 2023 Zoofari Car Raffle for a chance to win a 2022 LAND ROVER Range Rover Evoque Utility 4D S 4WD, valued at over $44,000! Raffle tickets will be available to purchase online for the chance to win, and more information will be available soon.
“We’re proud to see how Zoofari continues to grow over the years and support the Zoo’s mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. This fundraiser is extremely important in supporting this work, and we are looking forward to celebrating with our guests as together we have a great time while contributing to wildlife conservation,” said Suzanne and Kevin Larson, Zoofari Committee Co-Chairs.
General admission tickets cost $300 per person and include food samplings, three drink tickets for beer, wine, or specialty drinks, and access to the live adventure. The Safari Club ticket option is available for $500 per person and includes an invitation to the CEO reception, access to exclusive club areas with preferred views of the entertainment, a Zoofari commemorative gift, and four drink tickets for beer, wine, or specialty drinks.
The number of guests attending will be limited to ensure a more enjoyable experience for all, so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets today!
“This year’s Zoofari fundraiser will provide an opportunity for our guests to support the complete redevelopment of our oldest section of Zoo—North America. This area of the Zoo is particularly important as it is home for rescued and orphaned animals and continues to help us raise awareness about how we can help protect these at-risk species. In addition, this region will also become the home for our new Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation—allowing us to share success stories about our conservation work right here in Ohio,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo.
The Columbus Zoo recently announced the significant investment of approximately $33 million that is earmarked for the redevelopment of the North America region.
This project will transform the region into a destination where guests can learn about the native species of our beautiful country while engaging in ways to protect some of the world’s most precious creatures. The first phase will include new habitats for Mexican wolves, bald eagles, black bears, North American river otters, and trumpeter swans. Ground breaking is scheduled for the fall. Funding for all these projects comes from various sources, including federal and state grants, philanthropic donations, and earned revenue.
To assure that Zoofari is a safe event for all, IDs will be checked. Guests are required to present a state-issued ID, driver's license, or military ID. Underage persons will not be permitted to enter. To purchase tickets and learn more about Zoofari, please visit the Zoo’s website.
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
