More than 1,000 guests enjoyed delectable delights from fine South Florida establishments, wild animal encounters, cocktails courtesy of Bacardí, live entertainment, a Rainforest lounge, a new Cocktail Alley and more at Feast with the Beasts at Zoo Miami.  The party-goers raised more than $300,000 to support Zoo Miami Foundation’s mission of supporting Zoo Miami in education and conservation.  The Rainforest Soiree for 2024 celebrated Zoo Miami’s animals from Amazon & Beyond and their commitment to care for and protect wildlife across the globe.

Guests dined on delicious food from more than 50 restaurants and breweries including: Apocalypse BBQ, Babe’s Meat & Counter, Golden Rule Seafood, Josh’s Premium Meats, Ortanique, Cerveceria La Tropical, City Hall Bistro & Martini Bar, Crumbl Cookies, Lincoln’s Beard Brewery, Night Owl Cookies, Pubbelly Sushi, Samurai, Tacos and Tattoos and many more.  Cocktail Alley served up creative drinks from Amelia’s 1931, Eating House, The Gibson Room, Thorn, Tinez Farms and Tobacco Road by Kush.

“We’re thankful for the sponsors, the restaurants, the volunteers and staff that donated their time, fare and funds to the 26th annual Feast with the Beasts,” said Jose Romano, Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF) President and CEO.

Special dignitaries at the wild fundraiser included Commissioners Kionne McGhee and Anthony Rodriguez.  Honored guests and zoo supporters in attendance included: Brittnie Bassant, Lori Bean, Jason Bell, Alex Binelo, James Carenza, John Chibbaro, Armando Fernandez, Maggie Gonzalez, Victor Herrera, Sharon MacIvor-DeMaria and Joe DeMaria, Ron Magill, Dr. Mireya Mayor, Ana & Cecil Milton, Erik Myers, Anthony Rionda, and Danny Sanchez.

The best restaurant and cocktails were voted on by guests and special celebrity judges Eddie Jackson of the Food Network, former NBA star Tim Hardaway and local radio show personality Julie Guy.  The Beast of the Feast People’s Choice Champion for food was Apocalypse BBQ and the Beast of the Feast Cocktail People’s Choice Champion was Amelia’s 1931.  The Celebrity Judge’s Choice Champion was Thorn for cocktails and City Hall Bistro & Martini Bar for food.

“We’re thrilled that our guests enjoyed the silent auction, the encounters with exotic animals, the samba dancers, capoeira performances, DJ Kaos, live artists, the after-party at the Rainforest Lounge and more!   With continued support, the ZMF can provide world-class exhibits, wildlife conservation programs and education programs to the nearly one million Zoo visitors annually,” said Jose Felix Diaz, ZMF Chairman.

Platinum Sponsors

Florida International University
FP&L
United Property Management

Gold Sponsors

Amazon
Bean Automotive Group
BCC Engineering
Casino Miami Jai Alai
Forte Properties
Kaseya
Commissioner Kionne McGhee
Pepsico
Shutts

Silver Sponsors

Bacardi
Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera
City National Bank
Diamonette
MC Flooring
ParrotFish Studio
Pelican Harbor Seabird Station
Publix Super Markets Charities
SSA group
Commissioner Micky Steinberg
TruckMax
Weiss Serota

Bronze Sponsors

ELM Arch
Express Travel
Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez
Commissioner Eileen Higgins
Commissioner Raquel Regalado
Miami-Dade County Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez
Princess Cruises
US Century Bank
Verdeja, De Armas, Trujillo, Alvarez, and World

Underwriters

Bacardi
BCC Engineering
Bean Automotive Group
Casino Miami Jai Alai
City National Bank
Commissioner Kionne McGhee
The Dickenson Family
The Herrera Family
Office of the Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
PepsiCo
SSA Group
TruckMax
Uber

In Kind Sponsors:

AGame hydration drink, Bacardi, Diamonette, DJ Kaos, Fever-Tree, Greenberg Traurig, High Intensity Sound & Lighting, Jersey Mikes Subs, L&M Engraving, Liquid Death, LWS, Miami’s Community Newspapers, PepsiCo, RNDC, SOBE Promos, SSA Group, Tenaj, Tinez Farms, Uber and Viña Concha y Toro

About Zoo Miami Foundation

Zoo Miami Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation, and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits.  Visit www.fwtb.org for additional event details.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 street: Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $22.95 per adult and $18.95 per child (3-12), plus tax.  Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s daily hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; ticket booths close at 4 pm.  For more information, please visit www.zoomiami.org.