It’s been a huge year for the Sedgwick County Zoo. 2021 marked the 50th birthday for one of the city’s top attractions. The new entry to the zoo opened to the public earlier this year and soon the expanded leopard habitat will be ready to go.
Much of this is made possible by the zoo’s signature fundraiser, Zoobilee. What some people refer to as the biggest party (or Wichita’s WILDEST Fun-Raiser) of the year also happens to be one of the biggest fundraisers in town. Zoobilee generally brings in between $800,000 – $1,000,000 each year which makes up a big chunk of the annual operating budget.
Last year, Zoobilee went virtual and raised just over $200,000; far below their yearly average. So this year, event organizers hope to make up for that with the best celebration possible to commemorate five decades of the Sedgwick County Zoo.
This year, Zoobilee takes place on Saturday, September 11 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets which can be purchased here run $165 per person, but an early bird pricing of $140 per ticket is available until the end of the day, August 31. A big important thing to note regarding ticket price is all money raised through Zoobilee stays at the Sedgwick County Zoo to support the operations of the zoo.
If you’ve never been to Zoobilee, guests to the event get to enjoy live music, drinks and delicious food from many local restaurants while roaming the zoo. Such local artists as Llew Brown Band, Annie Up, Suite 68, Vinyl Ritchie, Jared Brown Band, and Whitnie Means Trio will be on hand. It’s your chance to enjoy the zoo under the stars. New this year is Wagonmaster’s Chuckwagon and cigar lounge have been moved to the Farms area of the zoo which has historically not been open for Zoobilee.
Regarding safety concerns this year, all food and bar service staff will be required to wear a mask. Guests are encouraged to wear one as well, and hand sanitizer will be available at each vendor throughout the zoo.
To purchase your tickets to Zoobilee, head over to their website right now! I’ll see you all there!
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