Cosley 'Uncorked' provides different look at zoo

Kids have plenty to explore when they visit Cosley Zoo: more than 150 animals representing more than 60 native Illinois species, duck and chicken feedings, behind-the-scenes opportunities, Discovery Stations, backpack tours and more.

But after the kids head home, adults can experience wine with a little bit of wild at Cosley Zoo Uncorked, a premium outdoor wine tasting for the 21 and older crowd from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at 1356 N. Gary Ave.

"Cosley Zoo Uncorked is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind event that you won't find anywhere else in DuPage County," zoo Director Sue Wahlgren said. "What more can you ask for but to spend an evening drinking great wine with the animals and atmosphere of Cosley Zoo?"

The night will involve sampling some of the 60-plus wines at nine tasting stations provided by Famous Liquors and set up throughout the zoo. There's also a chance to indulge in hors d'oeuvres from Bon Appétit as entertainment is provided by Breezeway Chicago.

Guests can participate in two raffles. The first is Tipsy Turtles, a 50/50 cash raffle benefiting the zoo and the lucky winner. An additional raffle offers prizes, including golf packages at Arrowhead Golf Club, a Kendra Scott jewelry package, wine and craft beer tastings, an overnight hotel stay and zoo gift baskets.

Of course, any event at the zoo wouldn't be the same without the animals.

Animal care staff will be on-hand to facilitate encounters with select animals during the evening.

"Not only does this event provide an unequaled evening of entertainment for guests, but each dollar spent stays at the zoo to help support all of the great work that it does," Wahlgren 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 details, visit cosleyzoo.org/events.