BIG DO AT THE ZOO
Nothing goes together like wild Guns N’ Roses rocker Slash and 89-year-old Betty White, right? But actually the unlikely pair does have something in common-their love for creatures big and small. The “Hot in Cleveland” star and the top hat-wearing guitar man were on hand to greet safari-clad explorers as they arrived at this year’s Beastly Ball at the L.A. Zoo.
After cruising up the lush grounds in open-air trams, guests had a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the zoo’s latest attractions. The event is always a walk on the wild side. Party animals were serenaded by the sound of roaring tigers and squawking birds as they strolled by the waterfalls, tropical foliage and jacaranda trees at dusk.
It was a feast for the senses as we sampled light bites like soba noodles and fresh salmon, a mouthwatering selection of fresh sushi, steaming hot corn tamales from El Cholo and even juicy chili cheese dogs from Pink’s.
It was feeding time for the critters as well. As the residents munched away, zoogoers got to meet new animal pals and check up on old friends.
Georgie the Koala was just a babe when Malibu Seen first met her at the Beastly Ball, but today the 10-year-old marsupial has a babe of her own and this little youngster won’t get off mamma’s back. “She’s already a year old,” one of her handlers explained. “It’s about time to break away, but she loves mom.”
There were loads of colorful pythons that look relatively manageable now but might be a handful when they grow to be six feet or more. Owls were in abundance and armadillos and porcupines also were on view. Graceful giraffes snacked on greens while elephants relaxed in their spacious new digs and enjoyed gourmet grub. Even the fascinating and exotic Komodo dragons got in on the action. On their menu? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t a gluten-free vegan tofu wrap.
Malibu’s Holly Robinson Peete kicked off the awards ceremony while veteran weather guy Fritz Coleman did the honors as celebrity auctioneer.
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association is a leader in the preservation of endangered species. The fierce fling raised a whopping $1 million for conservation and education projects.