POWELL, Ohio – For one special night of the year at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, adults can explore the park after dark while enjoying delicious food, signature cocktails and live music—all to benefit the Zoo’s conservation education programs.
Zoofari, a 48-year-old tradition and presented by Fifth Third Bank, will be held on June 15 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. This signature, adults-only fundraising celebration is one of Central Ohio’s hottest summer parties, and proceeds from this party with a purpose benefit the Zoo’s conservation education programs. The fundraiser helps the Zoo remain a global leader in conservation as the Zoo contributes more than $4 million of privately raised funds each year to support conservation and sustainability efforts around the world.
This year’s fundraiser will take place throughout most of the Zoo and will include signature dishes from nearly 100 restaurants and establishments, adult beverages and soft drinks and multiple stages featuring live entertainment throughout the evening from the Reaganomics, RockHouse and more.
In addition to unique cuisine and entertainment, Zoofari guests can also enter Jack’s Wild Ride raffle for the chance to win one of several prizes, including the grand prize—a 1968 Camaro RS Convertible. Other prizes include a $5,000 garage or home package makeover provided by Closets by Design, a pair of 3ct. bright crystal diamond earrings provided by Meyers Jewelers and a $1,000 gift card provided by Nationwide.
Tickets for Jack’s Wild Ride can be purchased for $100 online or in person at the event. Only 1,750 raffle tickets are available for the chance to win one of these incredible prizes, so it’s best to act fast to ensure your entry.
"This is sure to be another exciting Zoofari, and we are proud of all of the excellent offerings that only this unique event can provide,” said Nikhil Hunshikatti, the 2019 Zoofari Committee Chair. “It is great to see how Zoofari has become one of Central Ohio’s favorite summer events over the years, but it is even more rewarding to know that this signature fundraiser has made a meaningful impact on the Zoo’s conservation initiatives here in Ohio, as well as around the world."
General admission tickets include food, three drink tickets and access to live entertainment. General admission tickets cost $125 per person (while supplies last at this price point) and $150 per person at the door (or when all tickets at the $125 level sell out). Additional drink tickets can be purchased in advance online in a five-pack for $16 or at Zoofari for $4 per drink ticket.
For party animals looking for luxury treatment, V.I.P. tickets are available for $300 (or $3,000 for a 12-pack of tickets), which includes valet parking, early access to Zoofari at 6:30 p.m., four complimentary drink tickets, and special access to V.I.P areas, presented by GermainCars.com, which include private bathrooms and a bar.
To ensure a safe party for all, we require IDs to be checked (please present any state-issued ID, driver’s license or military ID), and any underage persons will not be permitted to enter. For more information about this signature fundraising event and to purchase tickets for Zoofari as well as Jack’s Wild Ride, please visit the Zoo’s website.
