Zoo Announces First-Ever Black-tie Benefit Gala

Animal lovers and Detroit Zoo supporters can spend an evening helping save species at the Detroit Zoological Society’s (DZS) inaugural Conservation Gala on Saturday, March 18.

Held at the Zoo’s Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, the gala will include hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a sit-down dinner and raffle. Themed “Making a Difference”, the event will highlight the DZS’s world-renowned conservation efforts to save species across the globe.

“This event will help us continue to ensure the long-term survival of endangered animals that represent our planet’s rich biodiversity,” said DZS Executive Director and CEO Ron Kagan.

Tickets for the 21-and-older, black-tie optional gala start at $450 for individual admission with several levels of support available, including various tiers of sponsorship. All proceeds will benefit the DZS’s wildlife conservation programs.

In the last two years alone, the DZS has led and participated in conservation programs spanning across five continents. From working to reverse the global amphibian crisis to rescuing and rehabilitating imperiled gorilla populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo – for which the Association of Zoos and Aquariums recognized the DZS with its International Conservation Award – the organization contributes to wildlife conservation efforts worldwide. In some cases, the DZS has led the revival of species on the brink of extinction, notably the Partula nodosa, a Tahitian land snail.

The Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in education, conservation, animal welfare and sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo. In recognition of its environmental leadership, the DZS received the top Green Award from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and was named Best-Managed Nonprofit by Crain’s Detroit Business.

The AZA also recognized the DZS with the International Conservation Award for its work rescuing orphaned Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With an annual regional economic impact of more than $100 million, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is one of Michigan’s largest paid family attractions, hosting more than 1.5 million visitors annually. Its 125 acres of award-winning naturalistic habitats are home to 2,400 animals representing 255 species.

The Belle Isle Nature Zoo sits on a 5-acre site surrounded by undisturbed forested wetlands on Belle Isle State Park in Detroit. It provides year-round educational, recreational and environmental conservation opportunities for the community. For hours, prices, directions and other information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit detroitzoo.org.

Tickets are available here.

Images via Detroit Zoo.