Unlike the baboons other happy hours attract, the National Zoo’s wine tasting tonight boasts a primate you’ll want to meet — a 3-month-old western lowland gorilla named Kibibi, which means “little lady” in Swahili.
“Where else can you make a connection with animals, hear live music, mingle in an absolutely beautiful park setting and sample wines from 16 local and international vineyards and wineries,” said Pam Bucklinger about tonight’s adults-only, extremely popular party, Grapes with the Apes. More than 3,000 attended the event in 2008.
As the Friends of the National Zoo’s manager of Membership and Education Programs, Bucklinger designed the fundraiser for young professionals who were not traditionally interested in FONZ’s family-oriented events. Tonight’s proceeds will benefit the zoo’s education, conservation and animal care programs.
Of the 16 wineries and vineyards pouring tonight, more than five will be from Virginia offering their reds and whites, sweets and dries, and effervescent sparkling varieties.
If Grapes with the Apes is anything like its advertising, it won’t be boring. The event’s promotional video on YouTube.com summarizes the night with a little humor — “Apes. Grapes. Wine. Cheese. Cheer. Baby Gorilla.” The same clip shows someone in an ape suit chasing a woman dressed as a bunch of grapes before squeezing her into wine with a hug.
Mike Maslanka, the zoo’s senior animal nutritionist will be on hand to talk about the health benefits of the tannins found in red wines and similar compounds in the diets of animals at the zoo.
Other zoo experts will discuss the zoo’s projects that support endangered species, including Kibibi’s species, threatened by poaching and habitat loss in western and central Africa’s tropical forests.
Participants who snagged $60-to-$70 VIP tickets, now sold out, will arrive early for a wine and cheese hour in the zoo’s Think Tank exhibit and watch animal demonstrations, focusing on orangutans’ memory skills. VIP-ticket holders will also receive access to a private area, which will feature a complimentary wine bar, wine talks and food provided by Ici Urban Bistro, Urbana Restaurant and Wine Bar, Cabot Creamery and other venues.
The zoo kept the state of the economy in mind when determining Grapes with the Apes’ ticket prices, said Bob Lamb, FONZ’s executive director. Regular admission to Grapes with the Apes in 2008 cost $40 for FONZ members and $55 for nonmembers. This year, FONZ members paid $30; nonmembers paid $40 — a savings of $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
If you go
Grapes with the Apes
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
When: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday
Admission: $30 for FONZ members, $40 nonmembers; VIP tickets sold out
Info: nationalzoo.si.edu
