Hundreds of philanthropists, wildlife enthusiasts, and animal advocates gathered at Lincoln Park Zoo on July 17 for the 49th annual Zoo Ball, hosted by the zoo’s Women’s Board. The black-tie event raised nearly $1.8 million for the zoo. The funds raised support Lincoln Park Zoo’s animal care, welfare, conservation, and learning programs, and the 49-acre campus which is also an accredited arboretum and botanic garden. This year’s Andean Nights theme highlighted animals native to the Andes and surrounding South American region, including alpaca, Chilean flamingos, and emperor tamarins, which can all be found at Lincoln Park Zoo. The Center of Peruvian Arts performed traditional music and dances of the region. The vivid colors worn by the indigenous Quechua people of the Andes region inspired the bright floral arrangements from The Flower Firm, with pops of purple, pink, orange, and yellow sprinkled among cascading greenery. Zoo Ball: Andean Nights is co-chaired by Lyndsie Ferrante and Andrea Helms. The funds raised support Lincoln Park Zoo’s animal care, welfare, conservation, and learning programs, and the 49-acre campus, which is also an accredited arboretum and botanic garden.

Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo