Zoo Update with Tom Jacobson, GLAZA President

For almost 60 years the Beastly Ball has been a fun way for Angelenos to support the Los Angeles Zoo. Last year—and again this coming June 5—we’ve made the Beastly Ball accessible to all as a virtual event. Instead of hosting 800–1,000 ticket-holders and table-purchasers on site at the Zoo, we reached more than 21,000 households online with the Zoo’s conservation messages. That significant audience growth—including all 50 states and 14 countries—inspired us to decide that all future Beastly Balls will include a virtual component even after we can gather again in person.

But a Ball, whether virtual or in person, is only one way for people to make gifts to help the Zoo fulfill its mission. This spring we launched a new fundraising initiative, Walk for the Wild, for philanthropists of all ages, from schoolchildren to grandparents. I participated in this 26,000-mile exploration of the Zoo’s conservation partnerships around the world and was pleased to have been joined by more than 500 other walkers. As of press time (morning of the final day of the Walk) together we had raised a total of $144,000–I look forward to giving you the final statistics soon. Many thanks to all who sponsored, donated, and walked to support your Los Angeles Zoo!