The staff of the Jackson Zoo invites the Metro to join them at this year's Zoo Party Expedition on Thursday, September 27th, from 6 to 9 PM, at 2918 West Capitol Street. The annual "unleashed" party for 2018 is a casual after-hours event for adults 21 years of age and older, featuring special keeper chats, animal encounters, and the sale of zoo themed artwork to raise money for the Jackson Zoo.
Guests will be greeted by the Ambassador Animals of the Jackson Zoo Education Department and the costumed students of Magnolia College of Cosmetology. Before the zoo animals go into their night houses at dusk, visitors will be able to talk with the animal care staff, one on one, in special Keeper Chats and training demonstrations at some of the larger exhibits. Guests will be able to learn more about each animal, and why their species is so important to our community and planet.
Supporters will then be able to dance with local R&B favorites the Time To Move Band, enjoy drinks from Capital City Beverages and Pepsi, and snacks from restaurants like the Iron Horse Grill, Broad Street Café, and Brick Street Pops. David Jackson of Profile Art 116 will also be on hand sketch guests in real time. The artists of the Jackson Watercolor Group will be capturing the beauty of the zoo during the event, and have also donated pieces of their art to raise money for the zoo. Other zoo-themed works of acrylics and oils donated in 2018 will be on display and for sale in the Jackson Zoo Trading Post Gift Shop. Guests who purchase a twelve-month sponsorship of one of the nearly 400 animals that live in the park as part of the Adopt-An-Animal program will receive a special plush basket, while supplies last.
Zoo Party Expedition 2018 is sponsored by Capital City Beverages, Lady Luck Casino, BKD & Associates, St. Dominic Health Services, and Brown Bottling. All money received from the evening builds the Jackson Zoo General Fund, which supports daily operations and future events like Boo at the Zoo in October, Cookies with Santa in December, plus Zoo Brew and Ice Cream Safari in 2019.
Individual ticket prices are $30 per person, or couples for $50, and IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are on sale now at the Admissions/Gift Shop at the zoo during regular business hours, 9 AM to 4 PM, seven days a week, or online at http://jacksonzoo.org/admission. Sponsorships and restaurant donations are still being accepted. Event details are updated regularly at http://facebook.com/JacksonZoo.