Zurich charity gala ‘Zoofäscht’ set for fresh start

Zurich charity gala ‘Zoofäscht’ set for a fresh start Keystone-SDA

The legendary Zurich Zoofäscht is set to be revamped. After almost 40 years, the current organising committee is stepping down from organising the charity gala. From 2028, Zurich Zoo will take over the organisation of the event and further develop the concept.

“A single summer’s night turned into a success story.” In a press release, Zurich Zoo looks back on the history of the long-standing Zoofäscht, which was first held in August 1987 as a charity gala.

Now, after almost four decades, the previously independent organising committee has decided not to continue the event in its current form, the zoo announced on Tuesday. For the zoo, this marks the start of a new chapter.

A new concept is set to build on the origins of the Zoofäscht while also introducing fresh ideas, the zoo writes. The inaugural event is planned for the last weekend in August 2028. It is set to last two days – with a “Zoo Night” on Saturday and a family day on Sunday.

The aim remains unchanged: to give visitors an insight into the fascinating yet endangered animal world, to inspire enthusiasm for the protection of global biodiversity, and to encourage personal involvement, the zoo writes.

Around 1,000 visitors at the first event

The first event took place on August 29, 1987. Around 1,000 visitors flocked to the Zürichberg. The organising committee, led by Hans C. Bodmer, hosted the first Zoofäscht. At the entrance, guests were given a filled picnic basket, the zoo reports. They enjoyed the delicacies it contained over dinner in the heart of the zoo.

That summer’s evening marked the beginning of a success story. With a few exceptions, the Zoofäscht has been held every two years ever since. Behind the festive atmosphere lay the constant aim of supporting Zurich Zoo. The charity galas regularly raised substantial sums for new construction projects at the zoo.

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Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.