On Thursday night, we got to beat the frigid temperatures at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo‘s The RainForest for the Animal Attractions fundraiser. This annual fundraiser put on by the Cleveland Zoological Society combines food, wine, and zoo critters for a fun and philanthropic evening. All proceeds from Animal Attractions benefit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and zoo programs.

Some of our favorite foods of the evening included the perfectly-spiced Korean beef tacos from Creekside Restaurant, the smooth roasted red pepper soup from AMP 150, and the ambitious trio of nibbles from Rosander Event Kitchen (crab gumbo, chikpea and tomato couscous, and hanger steak cafe de Paris).

And of course, the mini cupcakes from The Cleveland Cupcake Company were delicious as always!

The bar was sponsored by Samuel Adams and Jacob’s Creek, with a wine tasting event and also a specialty bar from Dewar’s. See, the Zoo isn’t fun just for kids!

There were zoo critters out to play, like armadillos, snakes, lizards, and hedgehogs, that you could pet and learn more about hands-on from the knowledgeable zoo docents.

There were also presentations that not only taught you more about the animals, but did so in a fun, tongue-in-cheek way. We went to “Bear Foot and Pregnant” (seemed appropriate), which taught about bears and mating habits with Jeopardy categories.

Even with all the great food and fun presentations, the best part of the evening was the company! We always love hanging out with Alicia, Hans, Amanda, and Scott!

Events like Animal Attractions prove that the Zoo isn’t just for kids! For more grown-up fun at the Zoo, stay tuned for information on Zippity Zoo Doo, Twilight at the Zoo, and Date Night at the Zoovies.

***Disclosure: I was asked by the Cleveland Zoological Society to help promote Animal Attractions. In exchange, I received 2 complimentary tickets to the event. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***