Save the Date for the 31st Annual Celebration for the Critters!
When: Saturday, September 24, 2011
Where: San Diego Zoo
Beneficiary: Endangered animals and their habitats through the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research
Attendance: 3,000 + guests
What should I wear to the party?
Cocktail Casual is appropriate. Comfortable shoes are recommended to enjoy the entire party; the food, beverages and entertainment are spread out around the San Diego Zoo grounds.
Are all of the food and beverages included in the ticket price?
Yes. Guests pay one price for admission and enjoy free samples from more than 150 restaurants, beer, wine and spirits vendors. Samples will be served until 9:30 p.m. (dessert samples are served until 10:30 p.m.) A cash bar is located in the Zoofari party area until midnight. Complimentary soft drinks and Sparkletts water is also available at the cash bar.
When does the party start?
5:30 p.m. VIP guests
6:30 p.m. Early admission guests
7:30 p.m. General admission guests
How much are tickets?
General Admission Tickets: $90 per person ($100 after Sept. 9) Admission is at 7:30 p.m.
Early Admission Tickets: $150 per person ($175 after Sept. 9. Includes early admission at 6:30 p.m. and complimentary Skyfari rides.
VIP Tickets: $300 per person. Includes an exclusive pre-party VIP experience at 5:30 p.m. with specialty drinks, appetizers, entertainment and up-close animal encounters. Then, get a head start with exclusive early access to the party at 6 p.m.
Are children allowed?
No. Guests must be 21 to attend and children, infants and strollers are not permitted.
What about the Skyfari ride?
Round trip Skyfari aerial tram rides are complimentary for Early admission and VIP guests. There is a nominal charge of $4 for General admission ticket holders.
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.
Can I buy opportunity 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!
I want to bid on something in the Silent Auction – how does that work?
Bid stickers must be used to place all bids. You can pick up your bid stickers at the Silent Auction registration table on the Front Plaza or on Reptile Plaza. Please note: once a bid sticker is placed on an item it cannot be removed so please bid carefully. The Silent Auction closes at 10 p.m.
Will I get a chance to see critters?
Absolutely! Joan Embery and her animal friends will be on stage on Flamingo Plaza from 7 – 8:30 p.m. and there will be an Animal Show on Reptile Plaza from 8 – 9:30 p.m.
What is the Critter Casino?
Our Critter Casino includes black jack, poker, roulette and craps tables and a chance to win some great prizes! When you win, you can exchange your chips for drawing tickets. Prize details will be posted in the Casino.
What if I get tired? Are there places to sit down?
Tables and chairs are located throughout the party area.
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.
What about parking?
Parking is free in the main Zoo lot. Taxis are available all evening.
Will the entire Zoo be open during the event?
No, only the front areas of the Zoo will open.
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.
Are cameras allowed?
Yes.
What if it rains?
If it rains, the event will not be held. Please consider your ticket purchase a donation.
History
Celebration was started as Kicks for Critters in 1980 by Rolf Benirschke, San Diego Chargers place-kicker, to raise money to support the San Diego Zoo’s conservation research efforts.
