Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Gentlemen Prefer Pink's, Gorillas Prefer Greens: LA Zoo Announces Annual Gala
The Beastly Ball is on the books for 2010, and The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's long-running fundraiser got a juicy preview yesterday morning in Griffith Park with a little help from Pink's hot dogs and the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens' collection of gorgeous gorillas.
No, they were not feeding hot dogs to gorillas, calm down. Pink's was on-site to feed the humans only, offering veggie and original dogs with their signature chili and cheese to the press conference attendees. The LA Zoo gorillas instead enjoyed a beautiful feast of fruits and vegetables prepared by local Los Angeles restaurants participating in this year's 40th annual dinner gala (June 19).
Chefs and owners from Yamashiro, La Poubelle, El Cholo, Malo, Celestino Ristorante, Green Street, Clancy's Crab Broiler and Maison Akira showed up to promote the conservation and education efforts of the Los Angeles Zoo, as did City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Zoo Director John Lewis and GLAZA President Connie Morgan.
Betty White -- animal advocate, oversexed television host, oversexed radio guest, and the last Golden Girl standing -- will be honored at this year's Beastly Ball by co-chairs Sir Elton John, Jane Goodall, Jay Leno, Sandra Bullock, Jamie Lee Curtis and others.
Support for LAist comes from
The 88-year old actress' love for animals has developed into a devoted partnership with the LA Zoo spanning more than four decades.
Tickets to the Beastly Ball are $1000 per person. More info at (323) 644-4753, www.lazoo.org.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist