Answer the Call of the Wild

Zoo to Do is back! This year’s theme, Call of the Wild, invites you to scurry, swim, swing or swoop into the Virginia Zoo and channel your inner animal to help us celebrate all things in nature!

This event is a rare opportunity to see the sights and hear the sounds of the Zoo after-hours, and the perfect time to show off your peacock feathers among friends. If you’ve attended in the past, you’ll know we like to put a new twist on the event every year, so put on your best zoo-inspired outfit and get ready to release your inner party animal!

WHAT TO WEAR

While the animals will be going au naturale, we encourage our guests to wear “creative cocktail” attire of festive, animal kingdom-inspired getups. Tiger stripes, crocodile scales, cheetah spots, giraffe print or jungle flora are all patterns to take advantage of and feel free to deck out your outfit with unique accessories like fascinators, bedazzled belts, gaudy jewelry and over-the-top hats. Dress up or down, casual or fancy, but be sure to show off your adventurous personality. Can’t decide which animal or plant inspires you the most? Check out our Pinterest board for inspiration.

ENTERTAINMENT

Hop to the World of Reptiles or gallop into the ZooFarm to encounter your favorite scaly and furry friends and their Keepers, or meet our exciting animal ambassadors as the sun sets on the venue. This year, meet animal impersonators who will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Zoo, and if you win, your bank account will benefit as well. Enjoy other amusements, including animal-inspired art and interactive stations. Don’t forget to make time in your night for free, unlimited rides on the Soul Train.

To get the party started off on the right paw, this year we will have a DJ spinning the hottest music plus all of your favorite hits with radio personality Bobby Hollywood hosting this beastly party. If dancing the night away isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to join in on the fun.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Take flight to our food tents and feast on an eclectic menu created by the Zoo’s very own Catering Department, sponsored by Sysco. From tasty chicken to savory seafood and sweet treats, there are plenty of food options to feed every beastly appetite, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Try one of our signature cocktails featuring Belle Isle Moonshine or sip on a beverage from our beer selection, including our Lizard King Lager from O’Connors Brewing Co. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

SILENT AUCTION

Swing into the Silent Auction tent to bid on our one-of-a-kind items which include a Disney vacation package, restaurant and event tickets, and even sports packages to see your favorite football or baseball teams in action. Or take a chance on winning zoocentric experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, Zoo Vet for a Day, or naming rights for the next Zoo baby! With more than 30 different packages to bid on, you’re bound to find something to suit your fancy.

ZOO MEMBERS

If you’re a Zoo Member, head to the party early for Member Hour from 6 to 7 pm. Early access to the event isn’t the only perk you’ll get; pick up a free member giveaway, as well as a complimentary beverage. Want to join in on the extra fun but aren’t a Zoo member? Join today to take advantage of these fangtastic event perks, plus more all year-round.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Zoo To Do Call of the Wild is on Saturday, June 1 from 7 to 10 pm, with a special members-only hour from 6 to 10 pm. Tickets for the 21+ event are on sale for $65 per person and can be purchased online, via phone or in person in our Membership Office. Prices will increase by $10 the week of the event, so purchase now to save.

We can’t wait to see you in just over two weeks for the Zoo’s most upSCALE event of the year! Will you be answering our Call of the Wild?

AND A BIG THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS ALL POSSIBLE!

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