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Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures Presented by First Horizon Bank
Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Presented by First Horizon Bank
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Auction: Zoogala2026.givesmart.com. Anyone can bid on the Online Auction items, even if they are not attending Zoo Gala. The Live Auction and Diamonds Direct Sivler Boxes are only for those attending Zoo Gala.
Catering: Hot and Hot Fish Club, a Michelin recommended restaurant and James Beard Award winner.
Location: Birmingham Zoo’s Trails of Africa
Dress: Black Tie Optional
6:00 p.m. – Cocktails and Animal Encounters
7:30 p.m. – Dinner followed by Live Auction and Dancing
Zoo Gala co-chairs: Daagye Hendricks, Tony Ankar and Crystal Witherspoon
Honorary Chair: Ann Katholi, donor of the new Axolotl Habitat
This is a 21+ event and is the largest annual fundraiser for Your Birmingham Zoo.
Zoo Gala co-chairs Daagye Hendricks, Tony Ankar and Crystal Witherspoon discuss event plans with Chris Hastings, owner and executive chef of Hot and Hot Fish Club. The Michelin recommended restaurant is also a James Beard Award winner. Daagye, Tony and Crystal (pictured left to right) all serve on your Birmingham Zoo’s Board of Directors.
Zoo Gala Sponsor – First Horizon Bank
Supporting Sponsorship Levels
Jo Simmons Self
- Limited Availability
- Two tables of eight with premium wine service
- Exclusive Sundowner experience for eight featuring cocktails, dinner, and a private Zoo tour hosted by the Zoo President & CEO Chris Pfefferkorn and his wife Teresa.
- Recognition in event media releases, eblasts, event signage, website, media interviews, and social media
- Rob Wolfe
- Charles and Chappell Miller
- Dixon Brooke, Jr.
- Larry Wojciechowski
One table of eight with premium wine service
- Private behind-the-scenes animal experience for eight with Zoo animal care professionals and the Birmingham Zoo animal of your choice based on availability.
- Recognition in event media releases, eblasts, signage, and website
- Lee McKinney
- O’Neal Industries
- One table of eight with premium wine service
- Private keeper chat for six featuring an animal of your choice based on availability.
- Recognition in event media releases, eblasts, signage, and website
- Baptist Health
- Protective Life
- Encompass Health
- Collat Family Foundation
- Anise Friedman
- Witherspoon Foundation
- David Faulkner
- Nall Whatley Foundation
- Ann Katholi
- Alabama Aquarium & Pond Services, Inc.
- Coucilman Josh Vasa, City of Birmingham
- Anna & Don James
- Medical Properties Trust
- Rieves Construction
- One table of eight with premium wine service
- Recognition in eblasts, signage, and website
Link to purchase tables and tickets.
Questions? Contact Sarah Kate McVeigh at skmcveigh@birminghamzoo.com.
Related Events
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