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Zoo La La

Thank You!

Zoo La La supports the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's Education efforts, including the Living Classroom Education Access Fund. The fund provides reduced-price Zoo field trips and nocturnal adventures to qualifying schools in need. Our goal is to make it possible for every child in Greater Cincinnati to experience the Zoo.

Hosted by The Ambassador Council of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and brought to you by our presenting sponsor Fort Washington Investment Advisors and our official vehicle sponsor – Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers. Zoo La La is the wildest party of the summer and we hope you had a ROAR-some good time!

Because of you...

A record breaking evening, raising over $402,000!

100% of the proceeds benefit our Education Programs!

Let's Get this Party Started!

Guests were greeted by music from Q102 DJ Natalie Jones!

Bling Bling, it's a light up ring! Anyone who entered the raffle was given a tiger approved accessory!
Pop the Bubbly it's time to Zoo La La!
Cheers to Zoo La La 2023 Chair, Aleicia Ennis!
Thank you to our Enrichment team for creating fun animal enrichment around the Zoo for our animals and attendees to enjoy!
Elephantini

As early entry guests strolled through the Zoo, they visited Wings of Wonder for a special Zoo La La Bird Experience!

Our feathered friends certainly win the award for most colorful outfit of the night!

Special thank you to our amazing Bird team!

Thane Maynard recognized Marty Rahe, Former Zoo Board Chair, at the Wings of Wonder Bird Encounter for his vision in creating a board of young leaders committed to advancing the mission and vision of the Zoo. Now 14 years later, the Zoo's Ambassador Council has raised over $2.4 million to support the Zoo.

Marty Rahe and Thane Maynard

Over 40 restaurants provided delicious bites for all of our guests!

This event would not be the same if it weren't for the participation of local restaurants, 100% of their time and food is donated. We are so grateful to each and every restaurant, we could not do this without you.

Best Bite of the Night!

New this year, we asked guests to vote for their favorite bite of the night from all of our participating restaurants!

Drum Roll please... our Best Bite of the Night goes to:

City Barbeque and The Metropolitan Club were our runner ups in the Best Bite of the Night category!

SPOTTED!

Cathryn and Willow ran away with our guests' hearts during the Cheetah Encounter!

Special thank you to the Cat Ambassador Team!
It doesn't get much better than a Remus appearance!
Who doesn't love a ride on the train and carousel?!

Education brought the party games!

What better way to feel like a kid again than to play one of the fun games created by our Education Department! Fan favorites include; Who Killed my Goat, Madlibs and Are You Smarter Than a Zoo Trooper!

Wild about Education? We are so lucky to have many Zoo La La attendees support Education Programs in many ways. Either by entering the Grand Raffle, trying their luck on the Rubber Duck Restaurant Regatta or by making a donation at the Train or Carousel!

The Grand Raffle was a major success! Zoo La La attendees entered to win a private cart tour, Twiga Tented Overnight Safari and 2 spots in the 2024 Summer Camp!

Lucky Ducks!

108 Zoo Animal ducks floated around our Flamingo Pool!

Every duck's a lucky duck. Attendees had a chance to win a restaurant gift card or Zoo Tickets!
Thank you to all of the restaurants who participated in our Rubber Duck Restaurant Regatta by donating gift cards and experiences to your restaurant.

As 'tune' as the sun set, it was time to dance!

Pickin' Pear lit up the Grove with their bluegrass vibes!

3 Piece Revival took over Vine Street Village!

You bet giraffe 3 Piece Revival had us all dancing in Vine Street Village!

Ben Levin hit all the right KEYS keeping our Sponsor VIP Area covered with his piano playing!

Thank You to our Sponsors

Special Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.
Sponsors enjoyed a special area in our Picnic Shelters with chips, guac and margaritas provided by Bakersfield/Thunderdome Restaurant Group. Also available, a variety of desserts from local restaurants and bakeries.
Special Thank You to our Vehicle Sponsor: Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers

"I want to say a big Zoo thanks to everybody who came to our Zoo La La event last Friday. It was extremely heartening to me to see so many people actively engaged with and supporting our Education Programs

Thank you for caring. Thank you for coming. And thank you for coming out and celebrating with all of us! See you again next year!

Deepest thanks to Ambassador Council for their wonderful support and planning of Zoo La La."

- Thane Maynard, Zoo Director
A massive thank you to our Ambassador Council. The Ambassador Council is made up of young professionals who are passionate about the work of the Zoo. We are deeply appreciative of your time and effort making this event an ELEPHANT-sized success! We'd be LION if we said we could do this without you.
“We were honored to recognize the hard work and tireless efforts of our Education team in such a fun setting, it made for a truly magical evening. The Cincinnati Zoo is leading the charge in conservation, education and awareness in our region and is always looking to raise the bar for our future. Thanks for all those involved and we look forward to celebrating again next year." - Aleicia Ennis, Zoo La La Chair

Thank you to our Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden photographers Lisa Hubbard, Kathy Newton and Erica J. Hill for capturing the fun!

Special thank you to Tony Bailey Photography for bringing the event to life with your pictures!

Tony Bailey Photography

Thank You!

Because of you, we had a TON of success, raising over $402,000 in support of our Education Programs!

Sharing is caring! We would love for you to share this recap with your guests!