The Birmingham Zoo was roaring with old Hollywood glamour for the 2013 edition of ZooGala.
The zoo hosted its largest fundraising event of the year on Sept. 21 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center.
The event was sponsored by IberiaBank.
All funds raised at ZooGala directly benefit the Birmingham Zoo’s operational efforts and help the zoo continue its mission of “inspiring passion for the natural world.”
Chairmen of this year’s event were Tzena Gauldin and Laura Clark.
To kick off the evening, guests were greeted by Hollywood feather dancers and zoo animals such as a fennec fox, an American alligator, an African serval, a great horned owl and a barn owl.
ZooGala also featured a jewelry showcase from Empire Diamonds.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., guests at the black tie-optional affair mingled in the ballroom beneath canopy tents and old Hollywood-themed décor before a seated dinner by Iz Catering at 8 p.m.
The menu consisted of a melon soup shooter, mixed green salad, beef tenderloin medallions, Yukon Gold potatoes, a kale and corn gratin and a dessert theater featuring selections like strawberry shortcake, key lime pie, chocolate mousse and lemon bars.
After dinner, guests danced to music by The American Flyers Show Band.
Those at the event got an up-close animal encounter by having their photos made with Sarabi, a serval cat.
Those attending included Jesse Vogltle, Wally Nall III, Jean Cecil and Dr. William R. Foster.
Others spotted at the glamorous fundraiser were Katrina Cade, Phyllis Lyons, Paul DeMarco, Jacqueline DeMarco, Valerie Abbott, Martha Epsy and Jonathan Austin.
Also coming out to support the zoo were Ed and Bea Robinson, Kaylea and Hunter Hill and Phil and Karen Carroll.
Other guests at ZooGala 2013 were David Davis, Robin Sparks Davis, Cissy Jackson and Steve Jackson.
