Beastly Ball guests enjoyed after-hours animal-themed activities and food from top L.A. restaurants at the annual Beastly Ball. (photo by Jamie Pham, GLAZA)

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association raised $1.25 million during the annual Beastly Ball fundraiser on June 1 at the Los Angeles Zoo. The funds include a $60,000 commitment made during the live “Fund-a-Need” paddle-raise led by the actor, comedian and television host Joel McHale to benefit the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Beastly Ball, hosted under the starlit sky, brought together a diverse audience that included numerous state and city officials. The guests rallied behind the shared mission of saving wildlife, enriching communities and creating connections to nature.

“This fundraising event is a celebration of the zoo’s accomplishments in conservation and a tribute to remarkable individuals and organizations committed to conservation and to the zoo’s role as an educational hub,” GLAZA interim president Dawn Petersen-Amend said. “The money raised goes towards advancing our shared mission, enabling GLAZA to continue its support of the zoo’s efforts in wildlife conservation, community outreach programs and advancements in animal care and veterinary medicine.”

For information, visit lazoo.org.