Escape to the wild at zoo's annual largest fundraiser

The Birmingham Zoo will host its largest fundraising event, ZooGala 2013, on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by IberiaBank.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, live music and animal walkabouts in an Old Hollywood atmosphere. All funds raised at ZooGala go towards the Zoo’s operational efforts. This unique annual event helps the Birmingham Zoo continue its mission of “inspiring passion for the natural world.”

This black tie-optional affair will be held in the Zoo’s signature exhibit, Trails of Africa.

Cocktails will begin at 6:30 p.m., and a seated dinner begins at 8 p.m.

ZooGala will feature live entertainment by John Williams Quintet and The American Flyers, menu by Iz Catering, and decorations by Christopher Joseph Design and Walker Design Studio.

During the evening, guests can look forward to special appearances by Bulwagi, Callee, Ajani and Tamani, the Zoo’s African bull elephants and residents of Trails of Africa.

Chairs of this year’s event are Tzena Gauldin and Laura Clark.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit birminghamzoo.com or contact Kathy Vaughn at 397-3861 or kvaughn@birminghamzoo.com.