May 15, 2008
Thanks to everyone who joined us at ZooFari 2008: Frogs & Friends, our annual fundraising
gala benefiting the National Zoo. As it has each spring
for more than 20 years, ZooFari brings together
100 of the Washington, D.C., area's finest restaurants, and more than 20 vintners from around the world for an evening
of gourmet foods, fine wines, fabulous entertainment,
a great silent auction, and dancing under the stars.
Frogs & Friends
This year’s ZooFari, Frogs & Friends, highlighted a global amphibian extinction crisis. Frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts are declining rapidly around the world. More than one-third of all amphibian species are threatened with extinction. With your support, we can help protect these remarkable creatures. 
Learn about Year of the Frog.
See your "Kiss the Frog" photo.
This year’s ZooFari also marked a major milestone for Friends of the National Zoo. FONZ is celebrating 50 years of conserving wildlife! 
Celebrate our 50th birthday.
Fantastic Food
ZooFari began more than 20 years ago as a catered event drawing several hundred visitors, and has since become one of the premier events in Washington—hosting master chefs from 100 of the area's best restaurants and thousands of guests.
See
the list of restaurants that participated in ZooFari 2008.
Restaurants interested in participating in ZooFari 2009 should
email Sheila Bucklinger.
Super Silent Auction
The ZooFari Silent Auction was filled with fabulous, fun, and furry treasures to add to your collection. Hundreds of partygoers tried to outbid each other on fantastic pieces of art, weekend getaways, fine wine, tickets to sporting events, and much more. See some auction highlights.
Phenomenal Entertainment
This year's performers featured the Coasters, whose hit "Yakety Yak" hit number one in 1958, the year FONZ was founded; the Johnny Artis Band (R&B party music); Sharon Thomas and Friends (smooth jazz); King Teddy (swing music); D.C. Carnival Steel Drum Team; and Little Red and the Renegades (a zydeco band from D.C.).
Please note: This event is not peanut-free. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that traces of nuts are not present in food products available at the event.
A Great Evening for a Great Cause
Last year's ZooFari raised more than $300,000 to support animal care, conservation science, education, and sustainability at the Zoo. Over the years, proceeds from the event have funded a variety of Zoo initiatives, from new and improved exhibits in the Small Mammal House to construction of Amazonia and Think Tank, and conservation programs designed to save Komodo dragons, tigers, giant pandas, and other endangered species.
Interested in sponsoring ZooFari?
Email Jackie Vinick
for more information on sponsorship.
ZooFari goes on rain or shine.
