Day 1054 Zoobilee 2025

 

Another fantastic year of celebrating and supporting our local zoo at the annual Zoobilee event! I’m not quite sure how I got so lucky, but a dear friend has been giving me VIP tickets for well over ten years. These tickets typically go for $250 each, so every year I feel like I’m holding a golden ticket—or several, since she usually gives me four!

The hardest part is always deciding who to bring. Over the years, Tim and I have brought several of his siblings and friends. This year, we brought my son and daughter-in-law. My friend also gives my daughter two tickets, so it turned into a full family affair with two of my kids and their spouses joining us.

It’s such a fun night to stroll through the zoo, admiring the animals without the usual crowds of children. The 21+ event is strictly for adults, which adds to the relaxed and festive vibe. There are food samples from at least fifty local restaurants, and by the time we reach the dessert tent, we’re stuffed—but we always manage to make room for a treat or two.

Live music plays under a big tent, and the band covers all kinds of great dance songs, making it impossible not to get up and move. Some years, the heat is nearly unbearable, but this year the weather was just about perfect for a night out in the city.

We closed out the evening by dancing to “Last Dance” by Donna Summer—one of my all-time favorites. We took tons of fun pictures, including a silly group shot in the photo booth, and even got to interact with some of the zoo’s animals that were brought out just for the event.

It’s always a magical night, and I’m so grateful I haven’t missed it in over a decade. Events like these are reminders of how special community, family, and shared experiences really are. Here’s to another memorable year, and already looking forward to the next Zoobilee!