Gorillas at the Zoo – the Beastly Ball preview

Last Thursday the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) held a preview for its upcoming Beastly Ball annual fund-raiser. This year GLAZA will be honoring long-time Zoo supporter Betty White at its annual fund-raising event, being held at the LA Zoo on June 19^th, 2010.

The preview featured chefs from several of the top restaurants Los Angeles all “catering” a vegetarian feast for the Zoo’s gorillas.  Chefs from eateries such as Malo, Celestino Ristorante, Green Street Restaurant, Maison Akira, El Cholo, La Poubelle, Clancy’s Crab Broiler and Yamashiro prepared fruits, vegetables and salads for the ravenous gorillas.  These same chefs will donate their expertise and cuisine for the human guests at the 40^th Annual Beastly Ball on June 19^th, which is the main annual fund-raiser held by GLAZA, a private, non-profit organization that raises money for the city-owned Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

Meanwhile, at the preview, the staff and owners of Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs provided food for the humans in attendance.

Nice and early I trooped over to the LA Zoo, in Griffith Park, and gathered, along with a handful of writers, TV cameras and local politicians, to watch the gorillas in action. Over in the gorilla habitat the vegetarian delicacies had been put in place by the zookeepers that included several carved watermelon shells stuffed with tropical fruits and vegetables.

The preview also featured remarks by GLAZA President Connie Morgan, LA Zoo Director John Lewis and City Councilmember Tom LaBonge (Council District 4), who reiterated his love for Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. Unfortunately Betty White had to miss the preview as she was busy at work on her new television show, Hot in Cleveland.  She’ll be the guest of honor, however, at the Beastly Ball on June 19^th.

Individual tickets for this year”™s Ball cost $1,000 each, and table reservations are available starting at $7,500. You may also make a contribution at any level in Betty”™s honor. All donations will support the work of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

For more information on tickets and sponsorships, please call Maricela Vazquez at 323-644-4753 or check their website.

Report by Pauline Adamek