PRESS ROOM

ROYAL OAK, Mich., 

The Detroit Zoological Society’s annual Sunset at the Zoo fundraiser, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions, will be held Friday, August 27 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Themed The Future is Bright, the 21-and-older gala will be held rain or shine, and the Detroit Zoo closes at noon that day in preparation for the festivities.

Sunset at the Zoo offers a sensational evening complete with delicious cuisine from dozens of local restaurants, delectable drinks, live entertainment and an auction filled with “zoonique” prizes. Among other experiences, up for bid are breakfast for five with the giraffes, butterflies or great apes and a zero-emission electric cart tour for five of the Detroit Zoo.

Additional exciting auction items include nights at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, a Detroit Tigers game or a Blake Shelton concert at Little Caesars Arena. Bidders can submit offers in advance and need not be present at the event to participate. To view the complete catalog of auction items and participate in mobile bidding, visit sunsetatthezoo.org. Bidding will close at 9:45 p.m. on August 27; winners will receive confirmation text messages on their phones.

The evening also includes live music, dueling pianos, life-sized board games, caricature drawings, storytelling by Education Specialist David Gakure, animal feeds and access to many of the Zoo’s award-winning habitats as the sun goes down.

This year’s event supports the Detroit Zoological Society’s commitment to the future, including high-impact programs that advance wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability and humane education.

Advance tickets for Sunset at the Zoo can be purchased online starting at $200 for Supporters. Patrons and Benefactors are invited to a special VIP Reception before the gala opens to all ticket holders.

Sunset at the Zoo is also supported by BMW, DTE Foundation, Grays Outdoor Services, IBEW Local 58, Kelly Houseman Counseling, Pentastar Aviation and The Cotton Family.