Celebration for the Critters Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I wear to the party?
Casual cocktail attire or safari chic is appropriate – jacket and sport shirt and slacks for him, dressy pants outfits or casual cocktail dresses for her. Comfortable shoes are recommended to enjoy the entire party; the food, beverages, and entertainment are spread out around the San Diego Zoo grounds.
2. Are all of the food and beverages included in the ticket price?
Beer and wine sampling and food tasting lasts until 9:30 p.m. and is included in the ticket price. A cash bar is located in the Zoofari party area where mixed drinks and special Celebration for the Critters cocktails (in a souvenir blinky glass) are available for purchase. Complimentary soft drinks are also available at the cash bar. Complimentary bottled water provided by Sparkletts is available in the Zoofari party area, Flamingo Plaza, and at Sydney’s.
3. When does the party start?
Entrance times are printed on the backs of your tickets.
5 p.m. Champagne with the Critters VIP tickets
6:30 p.m. Early admission tickets
7:30 p.m. General admission tickets
4. How much are tickets?
General admission is $90 per person ($100 after September 14).
Early admission is $150 per person (includes champagne, silent auction preview, complimentary Skyfari aerial tram rides, and more).
Champagne with the Critters VIP ticket is $275 per person (includes all benefits of early admission guests, with an exclusive visit with animal friends, special entertainment, and fabulous hors d’oeuvres).
Behind the Scenes + VIP is $1,000 per person (includes all benefits of Champagne with the Critters VIP, along with a unique breakfast visit with primates in October). See Ticket Information page for more details!
5. Are children allowed?
No. Guests must be 21 to attend and children, infants, and strollers are not permitted.
6. What about the Skyfari ride?
The Skyfari aerial tram ride is included in the Early admission and VIP ticket price. There is a nominal charge of $3 for General admission ticket holders.
7. Do I have to be a member of the Zoo to attend?
No, you don’t need to be a member to purchase a ticket. There are no member discounts on tickets.
8. Can I buy drawing tickets at the event?
Yes, tickets are $10 each and are available at the Opportunity Drawing table. You can also buy tickets from our roving ticket sellers during the party. You might want to come prepared with return address labels so you can get back to partying quickly!
9. I want to bid on something in the Silent Auction – how does that work?
Bid stickers must be used to place all bids. If you did not receive bid stickers, you can register for the Silent Auction and receive your bid stickers at the registration area next to the Silent Auction in Reptile Plaza. There will also be a Silent Auction registration table on the Front Plaza, before you enter the party.
Please note that once a bid sticker is placed on an item it cannot be removed for any reason, so please bid carefully.
The Silent Auction closes at 10 p.m.
10. I used all my bid stickers, can I get more?
Additional bid stickers can be obtained at the Silent Auction registration area in Reptile Plaza.
11. How does the Conservation Carnival work?
Buy game tickets ($5 for one or $10 for two) and test your skills at one or all of our animal-themed games.
If you win a game, you’ll receive a raffle ticket. You choose which prize you want to take a chance on winning. We’ll have lots of great items, so play and win lots of games and try to win some wonderful prizes.
12. What if I get tired? Are there places to sit down?
Tables and chairs are located in the Zoo Party Area and at Sydney’s. Picnic-style tables are located throughout the entire party area.
13. I use a wheelchair/walker/cane, will I be able to enjoy the party?
Yes. The party covers an area that is mostly level with some gentle inclines.
14. What about parking?
Parking is free in the main Zoo lot. Taxis are available in the area all evening.
15. Will the entire Zoo be open during the event?
No, only the front areas of the Zoo will open.
16. Will non-alcoholic beverages be served?
Yes. Several beverage vendors will feature juices and non-alcoholic beverages. Complimentary sodas are available at the cash bar in the Zoo Party Area, as well as Sparkletts bottled water at Sydney’s, Zoo Party Area, and Flamingo Plaza.
17. Are cameras allowed?
Yes.
18. What if it rains?
If it rains, the event will not be held. Please consider your ticket purchase a donation to CRES.
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