Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures Presented by First Horizon Bank

About this event

Zoo Gala 2026: Axolotl Adventures Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 Presented by First Horizon Bank Catering: Hot and Hot Fish Club, a Michelin recommended restaurant and James Beard Award winner. Location: Birmingham Zoo’s Trails of Africa Dress: Black Tie Optional 6:00 p.m. – Cocktails and Animal Encounters 7:30 p.m. – Dinner followed by Live Auction and Dancing Zoo Gala co-chairs: Daagye Hendricks, Tony Ankar and Crystal Witherspoon Honorary Chair: Ann Katholi, donor of the new Axolotl Habitat This is a 21+ event and is the largest annual fundraiser for Your Birmingham Zoo. Zoo Gala co-chairs Daagye Hendricks, Tony Ankar and Crystal Witherspoon discuss event plans with Chris Hastings, owner and executive chef of Hot and Hot Fish Club. The Michelin recommended restaurant is also a James Beard Award winner. Daagye, Tony and Crystal (pictured left to right) all serve on your Birmingham Zoo’s Board of Directors. Zoo Gala Sponsor – First Horizon Bank Supporting Sponsorship Levels Axolotl Level — $20,000 Jo Simmons Self Limited Availability Two tables of eight with premium wine service Exclusive Sundowner experience for eight featuring cocktails, dinner, and a private Zoo tour hosted by the Zoo President & CEO Chris Pfefferkorn and his wife Teresa. Recognition in event media releases, eblasts, event signage, website, media interviews, and social media Otters Level — $10,000 Rob Wolfe Charles and Chappell Miller F. Dixon Brooke, Jr. Larry Wojciechowski One table of eight with premium wine service Private behind-the-scenes animal experience for eight with Zoo animal care professionals and the Birmingham Zoo animal of your choice based on availability. Recognition in event media releases, eblasts, signage, and website Monkey Island Level — $7,500 Lee McKinney O’Neal Industries One table of eight with premium wine service Private keeper chat for six featuring an animal of your choice based on availability. Recognition in event media…