First published in the June 4 print issue of the Glendale News Press.
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s Beastly Ball returns in person Saturday, June 4, at the Los Angeles Zoo with actor and comedian Joel McHale emceeing. This annual celebration brings together celebrities, tastemakers, business leaders, city officials and L.A. Zoo patrons for a wild night of fundraising.
Guests of the Beastly Ball will be treated to after-hours access to the zoo, where they will enjoy sumptuous dishes, sweet treats and libations provided by Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen, Hotville Chicken, La Casita Mexicana, the Federal Bar, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Yakumi, Momed, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, In Good Taste Wines, Paquera Mezcal and more.
As guests stroll the Zoo grounds, they will be delighted by special animal feedings, keeper talks and roaming entertainment as the party makes its way to Treetops Terrace for more food, live entertainment and a virtual graffiti wall where guests can “paint” the canvas.
There will also be a mobile-bidding silent auction with more than 150 unique and one-of-a-kind items including travel, sports, entertainment, animal adoption packages, artwork, jewelry, clothing and signed items of Betty White and much more.
“Betty’s deep love and passion for animals was infectious,” said Denise M. Verret, L.A. Zoo CEO and director. “She believed in the importance of zoos and our mission of species conservation and used her influence, humor and generosity to make the world a better place for all living creatures.”
McHale returns for a third year as host, his first time emceeing an in-person Beastly Ball. “The last two years, the event was virtual, so it was just me, the crew, the animals at the Zoo and a handful of kibble,” says lifelong wildlife lover McHale. “This year, I’m looking forward to experiencing this epic night with an audience and a couple alpacas. I’m also honored to introduce the Betty White tribute, which will be a touching remembrance of her dedication to animals and the L.A. Zoo.”
GLAZA President Tom Jacobson said, “After two years of being virtual, we are so excited to host this event in person, bringing together our loyal partners, sponsors and friends to celebrate the zoo’s conservation milestones and ball honorees. This event is critical to the fulfillment of our mission, providing for GLAZA’s ongoing support of the zoo’s work in wildlife conservation both locally and abroad, public education programs and the latest advancement in animal care and veterinary medicine.”
Beastly Ball tickets are $1,500 per person, with individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities at higher levels also available.
The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Free parking is available. For tickets, information about mobile bidding and additional information, visit lazoo.org/beastlyball or call (323) 486-4253.
