35th Annual Zoofari at the Cincinnati Zoo

Posted August 24, 2017
Event chairs: John & Eileen Barrett

A Congo-themed opportunity to get wild for wild things
CINCINNATI (August 24, 2017) – Discover the mystery, vibrancy and allure of the Congo at the 35th annual Zoofari on Friday, September 15, 2017, at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Join event chairs John & Eileen Barrett for a night filled with the flavor of one of the most important wilderness areas left on Earth. Cincinnati’s #1 charity event, presented by Western & Southern Financial Group, supports the care of 500 animal and 3,000 plant species, ground-breaking conservation and reproduction work, and educational outreach programs.

“We’ve had many different themes in the 35 years that we’ve been throwing this big ole party, and my favorite ones have been Africa related,” said Thane Maynard, Cincinnati Zoo Director. “So many of the animals in our care are native to Africa, and we support several conservation projects on the continent.  I escorted a group to Kenya this summer, as I do almost every year through the Zoo’s travel program, and will travel to the Congo in 2018 to do gorilla study site visits. I’m just drawn to the culture and wildlife there.”

The Zoo encourages fashionistas to flaunt their best formal attire or embrace the African theme. Animal prints are always in style at Zoofari.  Check out the Zoofari 2017 Pinterest board for more party attire ideas.

“I don’t put a lot of thought into what to wear most of the time,” said Maynard.  “Green or khaki works for me most of the time, but I’ll dress up for this party and accessorize with a giraffe bowtie that I made myself!”

Zoofari is the Zoo’s premiere party with a purpose, complete with delightful libations, dinner by the bite from more than 50 remarkable restaurants, wild animal encounters, an extraordinary silent auction, and high-energy entertainment and dancing under the stars. The party starts at 6:30pm and ends at midnight. A limited number of tickets are still available. For more information, or to purchase tables & tickets, please call 513-487-3328 or visit http://cincinnatizoo.org/events/zoofari/.