Enjoy the zoo without kids at Cosley Uncorked

Kids always have plenty to see at Cosley Zoo in Wheaton, with more than 150 animals representing more than 60 native Illinois species, duck and chicken feedings, members-only movie nights, Discovery Stations and backpack tours.

But after the kids head home, adults can experience wine and a little bit of wild at Cosley Zoo Uncorked, an outdoor wine tasting for those 21 and older from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave.

"When parents and grandparents bring their children to the zoo, much of the focus is on the children's interactions with the animals," said Natasha Fischer, the zoo's education manager. "During Cosley Zoo Uncorked, adults have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the zoo for themselves without having the responsibility of child care."

Relaxing might involve sampling some of the 50-plus wines at the nine tasting stations set up for the evening, munching on hors d'oeuvres from My Chef Catering, and choosing a dessert shooter from Seasons 52.

It also might involve loosening up with complimentary chair massages from Elements Massage and dancing by the duck pond to 4theBeat Band's repertoire of pop, disco, Motown, Latin, '80s, '90s, and current hits.

Guests can purchase entries for Tipsy Turtles, a 50/50 raffle benefiting the zoo and the winner. Each entry is a rubber turtle marked with a number and placed in a portable plastic swimming pool, where the turtles float until the lucky toy is picked.

Other raffle prizes, like golf packages at Arrowhead Golf Club, a 90-minute massage at Elements Massage, wine and craft beer tastings, an overnight hotel stay, admission to the Morton Arboretum, a photography package, and more will be awarded.

Wheaton resident Mary Landreth has attended since the first Uncorked in 2009.

"Cosley Zoo Uncorked is such a fun evening for adults of all ages," she said. "The food is yummy and the wine tasting is eclectic, with very many offerings sure to appeal to various palates."

Of course, any event at the zoo can't leave out the animals.

Zoo education staff will be on-hand to facilitate animal encounters - safe, controlled interactions with different species - throughout the evening.

"A special treat are the stars of the evening: the animals spotlighted by the trainers for our pleasure and information," Landreth said. "It's a perfect summer evening event under the stars with something for everyone."

Uncorked helps demonstrate that nature education isn't just for kids, Fischer said.

"While our primary audience has always been families with young children, events like Uncorked help us open up the zoo to a whole new group of people," she said.

Tickets to Cosley Zoo Uncorked are $40 per person and $75 per couple. Guests must be 21 or older. Proceeds benefit Cosley Zoo's nationally accredited animal care, conservation, and public education efforts.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact cosleyzoo.org/events or call (630) 665-5534.

If you go

What: Cosley Zoo Uncorked

When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 21

Where: Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton

Cost: $40 individual, $75 couple

Info: (630) 665-5534 or cosleyzoo.org/events