Feast with the Beasts | Zoo Miami

Bringing together more than one thousand guests, the adults-only celebration showcased the power of philanthropy while advancing the Zoo Miami Foundation's mission to inspire people to preserve nature.

Daniela Prieto, Charlotte Cartaya, Lauren Gonzalez

Feast with the Beasts 2026 delivered another unforgettable evening of exceptional cuisine, incredible wildlife encounters, and community support, bringing together more than one thousand guests for one of South Florida’s most anticipated fundraising events. The adults-only celebration once again showcased the power of philanthropy while advancing the Zoo Miami Foundation’s mission to inspire people to preserve nature through community engagement, fundraising, education, and conservation initiatives.

Guests enjoyed an extraordinary culinary journey featuring delicious offerings from more than 55 of Miami’s premier restaurants and beverage providers, each serving signature dishes and drinks that highlighted the diversity and creativity of South Florida’s vibrant dining scene. An impressive selection of premium spirits, and specialty beverages complemented the evening’s tastings, creating an unforgettable experience for food lovers and supporters alike.

Throughout the evening, attendees explored Zoo Miami after hours, experiencing exclusive up-close encounters with some of the zoo’s remarkable animal ambassadors. These unique wildlife experiences served as a powerful reminder of the Zoo Miami Foundation’s commitment to conservation and the important role community support plays in protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Cecil and Ana Veiga Milton
Dan & Trish Bell, Brittnie Bassant, Josh Salman

Live entertainment energized the festivities as guests mingled with community leaders, elected officials, business executives, philanthropists, and fellow supporters, all united by a shared passion for conservation. The evening’s vibrant atmosphere reflected the generosity and enthusiasm of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact for wildlife.

A highlight of the event was the popular silent auction, where guests bid on an exciting collection of exclusive experiences, luxury items, travel packages, dining opportunities, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Proceeds from the auction, along with event sponsorships and ticket sales, directly support Zoo Miami Foundation’s conservation, education, and community outreach programs.

The evening also celebrated culinary excellence through the prestigious Beast of the Feast Awards. Celebrity judges Roxanne Vargas, Laurie Jennings, Chef Adrianne, Rita and Ron Magill, Chef Jorgie Ramos, and Chef Chris Valdes sampled outstanding creations throughout the event before crowning the evening’s top restaurants, beverage providers, and dessert presentations. Their selections recognized the exceptional talent and creativity that continue to make Feast with the Beasts one of South Florida’s premier culinary showcases.

Feast with the Beasts 2026 once again demonstrated the incredible impact that can be achieved when the community comes together in support of wildlife. From world-class cuisine and unforgettable animal encounters to outstanding entertainment and generous giving, the evening was a tremendous success. Most importantly, every guest, sponsor, restaurant partner, volunteer, donor and staff member played a vital role in helping the Zoo Miami Foundation continue its mission to inspire conservation, protect wildlife, and create meaningful connections between people and nature for years to come.

Rita and Ron Magill
Laurie Jennings and Josh Salman
Ron Magill & Christina White
Ron Magill & Christina White

Title Sponsor

Amazon

Diamond Sponsor

Glenhouse
Bacardi

Platinum Sponsors

Ascendant Insurance Solutions
Commvault
Florida International University (FIU)
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Greenberg Traurig
Miami Dade College
United Property Management
Wild Fork

Alan Atkinson
Phil & Corrie Hillary and Ann & Will Elgar
Tony Chinchilla & Lissette Gonzalez
Warthog bottle feeding
Warthog bottle feeding
Tortoise encounter
Tortoise encounter
Grant Miller & Carolina Sauer
Carol Cavero, Angie Alzola, Angelica Santibanez
James and Darlne Carenza
LA SWEETZ
Feast sampling
Amazonian Drummers
Samba dancers
Samba dancers
Zoo Squad Ellie, Gigi, Kaz
Flamingos in the Entry Plaza