Fundraising party to benefit Cosley Zoo

A new event called Live at the Zoo, a night of food, drinks and live entertainment, aims to raise money to support the more than 300 animals and wildlife conservation efforts of Wheaton's Cosley Zoo and impact the lives of 150,000 annual Cosley Zoo visitors.

From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, event guests can enjoy music by Underwater People on Cosley Zoo's front lawn. Michael Lynch, as seen on "The Voice," also will perform.

Cosley Zoo Director Sue Wahlgren says the inspiration for this event has a long history, but this year's event takes a fresh spin.

"This event finds its roots in 1987 with a party that was developed to demonstrate our thanks to supporters for their financial assistance with the construction of the Vern Kiebler Learning Center (the big barn)," Wahlgren said.

"Over the years, the event has gone through many transformations and we thought it was time we did it again in a new way."

Guests can explore exhibits after hours, watch turtle races and take part in raffles and silent auctions. The auction will include a unique painting created by two female Asian elephants from Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Elephants Ruth, 56, and Emily, 50, have created a vibrant blue and green piece of art that was donated to Cosley Zoo.

"We don't have elephants at Cosley Zoo, but a lot of our animals here at Cosley also participate in similar enrichment activities," Wahlgren said.

Live at the Zoo will be outdoors. Casual attire appropriate for outdoor weather and flat shoes are suggested.

Tickets include access to live entertainment, two drink tickets, animal engagement opportunities and signature tastes of dishes from local restaurants.

Tickets are $50 per person, $80 per couple, or $320 for a reserved table of eight. Proceeds will benefit the Cosley Foundation, which supports the development of Cosley Zoo, its wildlife conservation and education initiatives, and animal care.

The event is for ages 21 and older. To purchase tickets, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com or call (630) 665-5534. Cosley Zoo is at 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. For information, visit cosleyzoo.org.