ROYAL OAK, Mich., May 17, 2006 – Tickets are now on sale for the Detroit Zoological Society’s annual fundraising event, Sunset at the Zoo, the year’s wildest fun-filled night of live entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, zoo-themed martinis and strolling supper.  Presented by General Motors, the event takes place in the Detroit Zoo’s main picnic grove on Friday, June 16, 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., rain or shine. 

The evening features a strolling supper from 40 of the area’s finest dining establishments, including Cameron’s Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Pampas Brazilian Grill, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Rattlesnake Restaurant & Catering and the Townsend Hotel’s Rugby Grille. 

Over 1,600 party-goers are expected to dance the night away and enjoy live entertainment by the Jerry Ross Band.  Guests also will have access to the Zoo’s award-winning exhibits and take in the amazing wildlife as the sun goes down.  The dress for the evening is “elegant summer chic.”

A live auction will include such items as dinner-for-12 with the polar bears at the Arctic Ring of Life and a pearl-and-diamond necklace from Jules R. Schubot Jewellers.  New this year is a silent auction featuring such items as a Jay Strongwater giraffe picture frame and a 10-bottle wine tasting for 15 people.  Guests also may purchase Sunset Keys for $25 each or five for $100 and attempt to unlock a prize box. 

Tickets range from $125 to $500 per person.  A VIP reception sponsored by JP Morgan Chase is included for those purchasing higher-priced tickets. Tickets are available for purchase by phone at (248) 541-5717 ext. 3750.

Sunset at the Zoo is also supported by Crain Communications, Dining in the Wild, Fisher & Company, Masco, Saturn and UAW Ford.

The Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Founded in 1928, the Institute is committed to celebrating and saving wildlife.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily April through October, with extended hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is currently undergoing renovation but provides some programming, with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekdays with advance reservations by calling (313) 852-4056.  The Detroit Zoological Society works to promote the general welfare and interests of the Institute.  Financial support has allowed the Zoo to open new exhibits, develop important education and conservation programs and implement major beautification projects.  To help the Detroit Zoological Society through financial support, partnership opportunities, membership or volunteering, please call (248) 541-5717.
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