Want to see and protect wildlife and have a fun time doing it? Utah’s Hogle Zoo fundraising gala, Zoo Rendezvous, offers a unique evening of up-close animal encounters and adults-only dining and entertainment on Thursday, Sept. 8. The 25th annual event is open to just 1,000 supporters to ensure an exclusive experience animal lovers will always remember.
A celebration of local conservation, 100 percent of this year’s Zoo Rendezvous proceeds directly benefit the Wild Utah exhibit opening in 2023. The new space on the zoo’s east side will feature the Norma W. Mattheson Animal Education Center and Utah’s native species like cougars, badgers, bobcats, and bighorn sheep.
(Hogle Zoo) | A member of the weasel family and found throughout the desert and grasslands of Utah, the American badger species will be featured in the new Wild Utah exhibit.
Not Another Day at the Zoo
Zoo Rendezvous includes signature cocktails and drinks, gourmet appetizers, and a progressive dinner as guests walk through the zoo. Talented local musicians entertain while participants have unique animal encounters like feeding apples to white rhinos, George and Princess, watching Bill and Hillary the Siamese crocodile make short work of their dinner, or feeling Stephanie and Minka’s 16-inch giraffe tongues as they grab lettuce leaves from curious hands.
Entry also includes rides on the Conservation Carousel, numerous animal training demonstrations, an exciting silent and live auction featuring travel, goods, and entertainment packages, and the opportunity to bid on personalized animal encounters throughout the year.
(Holge Zoo) | Another native species to Utah, bighorn sheep range includes the southern half of the state. This species will be on exhibit at Wild Utah.
Don’t Miss It
Zoo Rendezvous early bird tickets are on sale now for $129 for general admission and $199 for VIP entry at hoglezoo.org/events. In addition, there are still auction donation and sponsorship opportunities available to further showcase support of Utah’s native species and wildlife conservation. Contact Mabel Flores at mflores@hoglezoo.org for donation options and benefits.
(Hogle Zoo) | Commonly found in high-altitude wet habitats in elevations ranging from 8,000-12,000 feet, this species is uniquely native to Utah and will also be on exhibit at Wild Utah.
More about Utah’s Hogle Zoo
As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Utah’s Hogle Zoo relies on the generosity of wildlife supporters to carry out its important conservation mission and enriching educational experiences for more than 1 million guests and thousands more school children across the state each year.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo supports its mission to create champions for wildlife here and in their natural habitats across the world through generous donations, county resident support from Zoo, Arts, and Parks, Zoo Rendezvous, memberships, special events like Boo Lights and Zoo Lights, and daily ticket sales. Its highest standards of conservation, education and animal care are monitored by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation, an honor given to just 10 percent of zoos across the nation.
Plan a visit and learn more about Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s conservation programs worldwide at hoglezoo.org.
(Hogle Zoo) | 100 percent of this year’s Zoo Rendezvous proceeds directly benefit the Wild Utah exhibit opening in 2023. Exhibit will feature Utah’s native species.