Whitney Zoo-To-Do Celebrates 40 Years of Success
Celebrating the Expansion of Audubon Zoo's Jaguar Jungle
Whitney Zoo-To-Do takes place on Friday, May 5, 2017. The adults-only, black-tie event features live entertainment and an array of cuisine from the city's most famous eateries and specialty and full-service bars serving premium cocktails.
Tickets are going fast for the annual Whitney Zoo-To-Do, New Orleans' premier philanthropic event that’s celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Elegant and unique, the celebration on Friday, May 5 is much more than a fundraiser, offering guests a memorable evening of people watching, fine dining and dancing on the picturesque grounds of Audubon Zoo. General admission begins at 8 p.m. and the party goes until midnight.
“Whitney Zoo-To-Do is recognized as one of the premier events of its kind in the nation. Over the past 40 years, the fund-raiser has played a pivotal role in transforming Audubon Zoo into a world-class facility.’’
The adults-only, black-tie event features a mouth-watering array of cuisine from 70 of the city's most famous eateries and more than 60 specialty and full-service bars serving premium cocktails.
Decked out for Whitney Zoo-To-Do, Audubon Zoo has a magical vibe after dark, with starry lights twinkling from ancient oak trees and sparkling decorations transforming the grounds into an enchanted, moonlit wonderland. The champagne starts flowing before guests even enter the front entrance and the fun continues deep into the night.
"Whitney Bank is delighted to partner with Audubon Nature Institute to celebrate the 40th Whitney Zoo-To-Do and the expansion of Audubon Zoo’s Jaguar Jungle. Whitney Zoo-To-Do’s annual success has continuously aided in the restoration and enhancement of Audubon Zoo for future generations to appreciate.”
Entertainment
Dynamic dance band Jessie’s Girls and its high-energy show will provide the headline entertainment thanks to the generosity of the Headline Entertainment Sponsor, Chevron Gulf of Mexico Business Unit.
Walter “Wolfman’’ Washington and the Roadmasters will precede Jessie’s Girls. Other performers include Meschiya Lake and the Little Big Horns near Cooper Plaza and Julio Y Cesar at the front entrance.
Silent Auction
The Whitney Zoo-To-Do Silent Auction features "staycations,'' recreation packages, gorgeous jewelry, dining experiences and much more. Bidders do not have to attend to participate.
Online bidding for more than 75 packages goes live on Friday, April 21.The online auction will stay open until Sunday, May 7.
2017 Zoo-To-Do Luxury Vehicle Raffle
In this festive atmosphere, guests can take a chance on the 2017 Zoo-To-Do Luxury Vehicle Raffle that features a 2017 Lexus RX350 worth $43,975 generously donated by LEXUS of New Orleans. Tickets are $100 each, and a limit of 1,000 will be sold.
One lucky winner - who will be announced from the stage at the event - is guaranteed and the ticket-holder need not be present to win.
Ticket Information
The Sponsor and Patron Parties begin at 7 p.m. Sponsors receive exclusive admission to the Audubon Tea Room, Garden Tent and Patron Lounge where they can sample a specialty cocktail for the 2017 Whitney Zoo-To-Do. Patrons receive admission to the Patron Lounge and Patio where they can mingle while enjoying a private view of the stage.
Tickets begin as low as $110 for young Audubon members (ages 21 to 35), $155 for Audubon members, and $175 for non-members. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. To purchase tickets, visit Audubon Zoo ticket booths (during normal operating hours), call the Zoo-To-Do office at 504-861-6160 or click here.
Online ticket sales will continue up until 7 p.m. on May 5, the day of the event. Audubon Zoo, located at 6500 Magazine St., will be closed on Friday, May 5 to prepare for Whitney Zoo-To-Do.
Parking is free and available in the Audubon Zoo parking lot.
Tickets are also on sale for Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Tulane Pediatrics, New Orleans' premier benefit event for kids, on the evening of Friday, April 28.
Zoo-To-Do for Kids
Zoo-To-Do for Kids transforms Audubon Zoo into a magical play land filled with giant inflatables, live entertainment by the Super Stars, and food and drinks.Click here to purchase Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Tulane Pediatrics tickets. Audubon Zoo will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 28 to prepare for the event.
All this party fun has a purpose. Combined, the two Zoo-To-Do events generate more than $1 million annually for world-class Audubon Zoo projects. This year the spotlight is on a major expansion of the ever-popular Jaguar Jungle at Audubon Zoo.
Audubon Nature Institute operates a family of museums, parks and research facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Audubon Wilderness Park. Ron Forman is President and CEO of Audubon Nature Institute.