Zoobilation brings out Indy’s wild side

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Zoo hosted its 30th annual Zoobilation. The event is the Zoo’s largest single day fundraiser, which raises money used to care for and feed the zoo’s resident animals and plants. Last year, Zoobilation raised nearly $2.2 million. This year, the event sold out in a record four hours, and more than 5,500 guests headed to the zoo to party for animal conservation.

This year’s theme, “Keeping it Wild,” provided some interesting looks on the Zoo’s Orange Arrival Carpet. Indy Style’s Tracy Forner and Amber Hankins hosted live coverage of the arrivals where guests were happy to show off their wild styles.

Carla Knapp of the Indianapolis Zoo says the event is successful each year because of the community’s support. “We are so fortunate to have the support of these wonderful individuals and organization who share our commitment to advancing animal conservation.” It takes nearly 150 volunteers to set up for this massive party transforming the Zoo for Zoobilation, and then back again, in just a few hours, to reopen to the public at 9 a.m. the following morning.

More than 70 restaurants also volunteer their time and donate thousands of dollars in gourmet food and drink. The restaurants also compete for honors, voted on by celebrity judges and attendees. 24-hour News 8’s Kylie Conway, Nina Criscuolo, Joe Melillo, and Jeff Wagner all participated as judges.