More than 800 safari-clad party animals went wild to help raise more than $1 million for the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) and its worldwide residents. From natural wonders, like veteran actress Betty White, to exotic critters, there was plenty to see at the zoo’s 43rd Annual Beastly Ball.
The mega bash took place amid the rumbling of wildlife as the sun went down and the stars came out over the zoo grounds for what turned out to be a perfect summer night.
The shindig honored Wells Fargo and actress Pauley Perrette, who stars as Abby Sciuto on the CBS drama “NCIS.”
Guests celebrated the zoo’s forthcoming “Rainforest of the Americas” habitat and also strolled through the lush environments fascinated by the zoo’s local residents. With some of LA’s best chow on hand, they also had a chance to watch animal feedings, chat with keepers and view the critters up close. There was also plenty of mood music, provided by World Vibes, as well as a symphony of Central and South American music groups.
Locals like GLAZA trustee Erika Aaronson Stern and her husband took part in the fun.
Another high point was the live auction, which was one of the most successful ever. One lucky bidder snapped up a sweet Hawaiian getaway at a beachside villa on Kona’s Anaehoomalu Bay for $6,500. In keeping with tradition, an evening with longtime supporter and living legend Betty White was also up for grabs. The actress will lead a backstage tour of Rainforest of the Americas, followed by a cocktail party among the animals. That bid went to not one, but two lucky animal-lovers for $7,000 a piece. If you wanted to get your game on, there was a private luxury suite at Staples Center to take in a Lakers, Clippers and Kings games. If you really wanted to go wild, there was a luxury African safari.
In the meantime, guests got their fill from some of the city’s tastiest restaurants. They tried out the chicken street tacos from El Coyote, an amazing comfort plate of macaroni and cheese from Taix French Restaurant, tortellini stuffed with pumpkin from Celestino Ristorante as well as those famous green corn tamales from El Cholo.
Later on, guests worked off the calories with plenty of music and dancing. GLAZA President Connie Morgan and Los Angeles Zoo Director John Lewis thanked Wells Fargo Bank for playing a pivotal role in community philanthropic projects. As the evening wrapped up, Kevin Frazier, co-anchor of “omg! Insider,” presented the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award to Perrette, a longtime advocate of the Los Angeles Zoo. The festivities took place as zoo fans Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Lisa Ling and comedian Jimmy Pardo looked on. All seemed happy to know they did their part to keep the beloved L.A. landmark alive.