POWELL, Ohio – Join us at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on June 22, 2024, from 7 p.m. – 11 p.m., and enjoy an unforgettable summer evening at Zoofari, presented by Fifth Third Bank. Not only is Zoofari a fun time, but your ticket purchase also directly supports the redevelopment of the Zoo’s historic North America region, home to threatened and rescued animals.
Now in its 52nd year, guests 21 years and older can expect some of their favorite features of this adults-only event with a few other surprises. Enjoy a memorable night dedicated to revitalizing habitats and protecting the future for North American wildlife, including black bears, Mexican wolves, North American river otters, trumpeter swans, and more.
Get ready for a luxurious night of spectacular drinks and exquisite food. Be mesmerized by live art demonstrations, night-of animal experiences, pop-up auctions, high-energy music from the Bluewater Kings Band, comedic performances from Pete Lee and Rocky Dale Davis, interactive Pins Mechanical games, and much more.
In addition to unique cuisine and entertainment, Zoofari guests (and other Ohio residents) can enter the 2024 Zoofari Raffle for a chance to win a first-place prize of a fabulous cruise for two (2) on the 2025 Buckeye Cruise for Cancer, valued at $12,000, or win a second-place prize of four (4) Front Orchestra seats and a special swag bag to experience Disney’s The Lion King at the Ohio Theatre! Raffle tickets are available to purchase online for the chance to win. Only 1,250 tickets will be sold! You do not need to attend Zoofari to enter the raffle.
“We’re proud of Zoofari and how it continues to support the Zoo’s mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. This fundraiser is extremely important in supporting this work. We are looking forward to celebrating with our guests and to have a great time while contributing to wildlife conservation,” said Suzanne and Kevin Larson, Zoofari Committee Co-Chairs.
General admission Adventurer tickets are $250 per person and include a wide range of fantastic cuisine, premium beverages, and access to the live adventure. The Safari Club ticket option is available for $500 per person and includes full access to Zoofari as well as a private reception in the Heart of Africa region at 5:30 p.m. for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, animal encounters, a special arrival gift, and access to reserved areas at each entertainment venue.
The number of guests attending will be limited to ensure a more enjoyable experience for all, so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets today!
“Funds generated from Zoofari will support the redevelopment of our North America region. This region is particularly impactful 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—providing us with the opportunity to share success stories about our conservation work right here in Ohio,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
This project will transform the region into a destination where guests can learn about the native species of our continent while engaging in ways to protect some of the world’s most precious creatures. The $40 million goal for phase one of construction is nearly 90% complete, and the opening is set for the spring of 2025.
This event is made possible by the generosity of our presenting sponsor Fifth Third Bank, and exciting event sponsors Battelle, Bath & Body Works, Cardinal Health Foundation, Eddie Merlots, Pins Mechanical Company, Pepper Construction, Proforma Graphic Services, and The Worthington Companies Foundation.
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, conservation initiatives, events, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
###
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 educational 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 locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
