PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. — The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) invites the community to leap into an event like no other.

Sunset at the Zoo, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, returns from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 23. During this 21-and-older fundraising gala, guests will enjoy a strolling dinner featuring some of metro Detroit’s best restaurants and more than a dozen food trucks, an open bar, exclusive access to the Detroit Zoo’s habitats until twilight, a silent auction, live entertainment and much more.

Themed Leap into Conservation, this year’s Sunset at the Zoo spotlights the DZS’s wildlife conservation efforts both locally and across the globe – along with the daily work that propels this purpose. Whether it is partnering with communities worldwide to preserve important habitats, speaking up for legislation that protects threatened species, supporting biodiversity through species-specific programs or protecting endangered species from extinction, it all bolsters the DZS’s vision to be a force for positive change in a world where animals and nature are valued, understood and protected by all people.

“Conservation is a core part of what we do, and we have a responsibility to do the right things today, so we can pave the way for a brighter future,” said Jane Alessandrini, DZS vice president of development. “But we can’t make that future a reality without our valued supporters. Every dollar raised at Sunset supports our mission to create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive.”

The DZS will also feature five of its flagship conservation programs throughout the evening, in the way of interactive and educational conservation stations – showing guests how they can help protect Great Lakes piping plovers, Panamanian golden frogs, red pandas, the Peruvian rainforest and natural landscapes around metro Detroit.

Advance tickets for Sunset at the Zoo can be purchased online at sunsetatthezoo.org. Tickets start at $250 for a general admission Piping Plover ticket. VIP Panamanian Golden Frog tickets, which include exclusive amenities and a VIP reception, are $600 each. Discounted group packages are also available.

For the first time ever, the DZS is hosting a rousing raffle, the Great Zoo Giveaway, in conjunction with Sunset at the Zoo!

A posh prize package containing exclusive behind-the-scenes Zoo experiences, awesome animal encounters, a one-night hotel stay, a travel voucher and a certificate to a top-rated restaurant in metro Detroit will be awarded to one lucky winner. This incredible experience is available for up to four guests, ages 8 or older. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunset ticket holders and the general public can visit sunsetatthezoo.org and purchase an unlimited number of tickets until Friday, June 30 for their chance to win this prize package. Tickets for the Great Zoo Giveaway are $5 each or five for $20.

The Detroit Zoo will be closed Friday, June 23 to prepare for the event.

Sunset at the Zoo is also supported by VIP sponsor DTE Foundation, along with Kelly Houseman Counseling, Suburban Subaru of Troy, Grays Outdoor Services, IBEW Local 58, The Cotton Family, Mario Morrow and Associates LLC, Taft and Doetsch Environmental Services.