Roaring tigers, bleating elephants, squealing monkeys—the call of the wild always rings out loud and clear at Saint Louis Zoo. But on June 19, it will get a little louder and wilder than usual. That’s when hundreds of animal- and party-loving St. Louisans will gather for Zoofari, the Zoo’s biennial fundraiser. “This is Zoofari’s golden anniversary, and we’ll be rolling out the orange carpet to honor our favorite redhead: the orangutan,” says Susan Block, who co-chairs the event with Jim Sansone.
The Zoo is home to a family of orangutans, including baby Ginger, born last December. “These highly intelligent, endearing apes share more than 96 percent of our genes,” Block notes. But unfortunately, they are experiencing sharp population declines due to a rapid rate of habitat loss, she adds. “A century ago there were more than 230,000 orangutans, but the Bornean species is now endangered at less than 69,000, and the Sumatran is critically endangered at about 7,500.”
That’s why baby Ginger’s arrival was a particularly blessed event. “The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended the birth as part of its role in creating a sustainably managed population,” Block explains. “At age 45, Ginger’s mother, Merah, set a record among SSP institutions as the oldest female to conceive and have a surviving offspring.” The Zoo’s WildCare Institute also supports Hutan, a nonprofit working to conserve orangutans and other wildlife populations.
Founded in 1910, the Zoo is recognized worldwide as a leader in saving endangered animals and their habitats. Zoofari typically raises more than $1 million toward those efforts. Headlining this year’s event is Kenny Loggins, known as ‘King of the Movie Soundtrack’ for his recordings of ‘I’m Alright’ from Caddyshack, ‘Danger Zone’ from Top Gun, and the title song from Footloose. Guests will dance under the stars, graze on food and cocktails from more than 60 top restaurants, bars and caterers, and bid on coveted auction items. Honorary chairs from the past 50 years of Zoofari will join the celebration. Presenting sponsor is Wells Fargo Advisors.
“This terrific event, which began as a boxed dinner and dance in 1965, just keeps growing,” says co-chair Jim Sansone. “We’ve gone from around 1,800 guests in the 1990s to more than 3,365 in 2013, up 34 percent from Zoofari 2011. We know 2015 will be another great year for the best party in town.” Attendees are invited to unleash their inner animal by wearing creative black tie, with faux animal prints, tails and pointy ears encouraged.
“St. Louisans of all ages and backgrounds love the Zoo—it makes everyone smile,” Block says. “And unlike most other major zoos, it’s free, so everyone can enjoy and learn from these spectacular creatures. Animals bring us such joy, but they need our help. I can’t think of a more fun-filled way to show our support than a wild night out at Zoofari.”
Pictured: Kenny Loggins
Photo: Stephen Morales
[Zoofari 2015, presented by Wells Fargo Advisors, takes place June 19 at Saint Louis Zoo. Tickets start at $200 for Zoo Friends; general admission is $250. For reservations, call 314.646.4771 or visit stlzoo.org/zoofari.]
