THE BEASTLY FEAST GALA RETURNS WITH “THE MANE EVENT”

Norfolk Southern serves as Presenting Sponsor on Zoo Atlanta’s most magical night of the year 

ATLANTA – April 15, 2025 – One of Atlanta’s most anticipated galas returns on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Beastly Feast presented by Norfolk Southern. Sophisticated elegance, a one-of-a-kind locale, and signature auctions are hallmarks of Zoo Atlanta’s largest annual fundraiser. In celebration of the opening of the Zoo’s newly renovated African lion complex, the 2025 event is themed “The Mane Event.”  

The evening will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on an evening stroll through the Zoo, followed by a seated dinner from Zoo Atlanta’s premier caterer, Proof of the Pudding; dancing in the Zoo’s grand tent spectacularly transformed by Tony Brewer & Company; and silent and live auctions of travel adventures, jewelry, art, sports and cultural opportunities, Zoo experiences, and more.  

Event Co-Chairs are Ellen and John Yates. Executive and Auction Committee members are Tony Brewer, Sandra Edwards, Ashley Heintz, Elizabeth Hood, Carli Huband, Kim Lyman, and Lia Santos.  

“The Beastly Feast is a shining example of the longtime tradition of significant generosity shown to Zoo Atlanta by our community. The Zoo is at its most beautiful and inspiring, filled with friends and supporters of our mission,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Norfolk Southern, for their commitment to conservation, education, and community engagement.”  

Proceeds of the Beastly Feast benefit Zoo Atlanta’s innovative and award-winning education programs and local and global conservation efforts.  

“Norfolk Southern is proud to support Zoo Atlanta and the Beastly Feast – a celebration of bold conservation, community, and shared purpose,” said Jason Morris, EVP and Chief Legal Officer, Norfolk Southern. “Just like rail connects communities across the country, partnerships like this connect people to the natural world and inspire action that lasts well beyond one evening.”  

To reserve tables or tickets or to support the event as a Beastly Backer, visit the Beastly Feast event page here on zooatlanta.org.  

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Rachel Davis
Director of Communications
rdavis@zooatlanta.org  
404.624.2812 

Gavin Johnson
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
404.624.5980
gjohnson@zooatlanta.org  

ABOUT: About Zoo Atlanta 
A proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare, Zoo Atlanta has a mission to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education, and engaging experiences. The Zoo is home to hundreds of animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered. Highlights include a transformed African Savanna featuring expanded habitats for African elephants, giraffes, zebras, ostrich, warthogs, meerkats, and rhinos; one of North America’s largest populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Recent transformations include a newly updated African lion complex, opened in April 2025, and the state-of-the-art Rollins Animal Health Center, completed in 2024. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.