Previewing the LA Zoo's Beastly Ball

Connie Morgan (right), president, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), chats with GLAZA Beastly Ball honoree Laura Z. Wasserman (left), and Chef Francoise Koster, La Poubelle. (Tad Motoyama/used with permission)

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Yesterday to gear up for the annual Beastly Ball, the LA Zoo hosted a special event where the California bears were treated to special preparations by chefs from top L.A. restaurants. Chefs included Jason Park, chef, Yamashiro Restaurant; Erik Ritter, chef, Malo; Calogero Drago, chef/owner, Celestino Ristorante; Jack Rogers, chef, Spitfire Saloon; Patrick Luechai, chef, Typhoon; Akira Hirose, owner/chef, Maison Akira; Gerardo Ochoa, chef, El Cholo; Francoise Koster, La Poubelle, and Gloria Pink, Beverly Pink Wolfe, Tom West, of Pink's Famous Hot Dogs.

Greater LA Zoo Assn. (GLAZA) President Connie Morgan, GLAZA Chairman Tom Mankiewicz, Zoo Director John Lewis, LA City Councilmember Tom LaBonge; and Beastly Ball honoree Laura Z. Wasserman addressed the crowd.

The bears feasted on a strictly regimented meal prepared by the chefs that included fruit, vegetables, and a little mackerel. Human guests feasted on Pink's Famous hot dogs. The Beastly Ball has been referred to as "one of L.A.'s biggest and most popular fund-raisers" by FOX News and "one of the best parties in Los Angeles" by KCAL News. This year the ball will be honoring Laura Z. Wasserman for her commitment to animals. The Beastly Ball benefits GLAZA, the private, non-profit organization that raises money for the city-owned Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.