
Zoofari 6/16/23
Saint Louis Zoo’s annual “grazing gala,” ZOOFARI presented by Wells Fargo, returns Friday, June 20, as an adults-only, after-hours fundraiser that features tasting plates from more than 30 local restaurants alongside premium open bars, a high-energy performance by The Block Party Experience, and late-night rides on the Emerson Zooline Railroad and Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel. Attendees will also enjoy crowd-pleasers like a wine pull, gift-card wall, silent auction of once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and a “bubbly” wall.
Tickets are now on sale for ZOOFARI 2025. The 21-and-over bash helps support the zoo’s conservation efforts and keeps the zoo affordable for all.
“ZOOFARI is a party with a purpose,” said Amy Zentgraf, Director of Corporate and Board Relations at the Saint Louis Zoo. “It combines food, fashion and fun, all the while benefiting our beloved Zoo and its conservation efforts. It’ll be a night of memories that’ll make for better tomorrows.”
Main stage entertainment
Headliner The Block Party Experience, a 12-piece ensemble from Atlanta who are known for nonstop dance-floor hits takes the stage from 8:45 to 11 p.m. In addition, ӣƵ favorites Acoustik Element open the show, while DJ Franco spins in Carousel Plaza.

Zoofari 2023
Sip, sample and score
More than 30 restaurants, including Pappy’s Smokehouse, Olive + Oak and Ted Drewes, will serve specialties sure to wow. Attendees can test their luck at a wine pull, which entails pulling a bottle from the selection of wine to take home, plus guests will be entered into a raffle to win a variety of prizes like a one-of-a-kind tortoise wine rack. Bourbon imbibers and bourbon curious attendees can try samples from a selection of top-shelf bourbons.
Gift card wall and bubbly
There’s more. Guests will delight in surprises from the local restaurant gift card wall. Be sure to toast at the Diamonds Direct “bubbly” wall: guests are invited to sip their bubbly served in a keepsake ZOOFARI flute and be entered for a chance to win diamond hoop earrings!
Silent auction, Hearth & Soul pop-up shop
Get in on the action and bid on exclusive behind-the-scenes animal experiences in a mobile silent auction. Prizes include special dinners and after-hour animal encounters.
Then, stroll over to the Hearth & Soul pop-up shop where you’ll find designer apparel, cute accessories, lovely candles, home decor and more.

Zoofari 2023
Ride after dark
The Emerson Zooline Railroad will loop partygoers along its 1.5-mile track, a narrated tour enjoyed by more than 39 million riders since 1963. Steps away, the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel offers spins atop 64 hand-carved endangered species figures, with proceeds benefiting the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute.
Tickets and tiers
General admission is $200 for zoo members and $250 for non members; VIP entry at 6 p.m. starts at $500, with sponsorship packages beginning at $3,500. All purchases are cashless and final.
Dress code
Dress to celebrate in summer creative cocktail attire inspired by the zoo’s giant tortoises. Think island blues, greens and shell patterns that pair with comfortable shoes for a fun night of strolling. Let nature be your inspiration. Guests are encouraged to wear tuxedo jackets with shorts or festive dresses.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a conservation powerhouse, caring for nearly 12,000 animals across 500 species.
ZOOFARI 2025 is a cashless event and takes place from 7:15 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Saint Louis Zoo. To reserve tickets and view the full restaurant lineup, please visit .