The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is hosting one of its annual fundraising events this Friday, and if you would like to attend, you need to act fast. Tickets are on sale until 9 a.m., Nov. 3.

The Zoo Brew event combines craft beer tastings, live music, food and zoo animal meet-and-greets. It is the perfect night out for the kid at heart. Leave the young ones at home, as this event is for the 21-and-over crowd.

In addition to supporting animal care, enrichment and educational programs of the zoo, each year a conservation effort is chosen. This year, Zoo Brew: "Hopes for Habitats" will also raise money to support endangered animal habitat conservation, including protecting the endangered longleaf pine ecosystem in Alabama. The longleaf pine ecosystem is home to animals such as endangered gopher tortoise, red-cockaded woodpeckers, indigo snakes, bobwhite quail and more.

Fundraising events like Zoo Brew are vital to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

"As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community and donors and everyone who purchases a ticket to help us survive," said Paula White, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo director of development. "The funds raised help us care for over 300 animals (the average cost just to feed our animals is around $5,000 a week), it also helps provide animal enrichment and ongoing exhibit maintenance, as well as helps us continue to build and grow our education programs to reach the community."

White said the Zoo Brew fundraising event has seen steady growth, raising just over $13,000 in 2021 and selling out and raising $20,000 in 2022.

"This is our third year for this event and we are hoping 2023 will be another stellar sellout," White said.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a casual event that is full of fun. All guests will have an opportunity to sample over 40 craft beers from over 15 breweries. Live music will be provided by Red and the Revelers and food by Island Air's "Island Pig Posse" barbecue pit team.

White said the best part of the events is meeting the zoo's animal ambassadors throughout the evening.

VIP ticketed guests get early entrance to experience some of the zoo's animal adventures, special catering by Savanna the Restaurant and receive a commemorative Zoo Brew pint glass.

When asked what her favorite part of the event is, White said, "My favorite part of this event is the interaction our guests get to have with the animals and keeping staff throughout the evening. I feel like it gives them a special experience they wouldn't typically have. It connects them to the zoo and allows them to see how valuable their support truly is."

For more information about the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, Zoo Brew or to purchase tickets, visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org.