Celebrating Zoo Ball 2026: Sunset on the Savanna
Record-Breaking Paddle Raise Supports Houston Zoo’s Wildlife-Saving Efforts
On Sat., Nov. 7 Zoo Ball 2026: Sunset on the Savanna raised vital funds for Houston Zoo. At this year’s black-tie gala, a crowd of 600 Houstonians were welcomed to Houston Zoo’s Masihara Pavilion and raised more than $2.1 million to support the Zoo. This year’s event, chaired by Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, was themed to celebrate Africa’s savanna landscape and its wildlife while recognizing honoree Anne Duncan.
The partygoers turned up the volume on gowns and glamour as they got to meet and mingle with ambassador animals including Ihop, the African pancake tortoise, The Zoo transformed its tented event space, Masihara Pavilion, into an elegant safari tent. City Kitchen served a delectable multi-course dinner featuring a roasted eggplant salad, grilled sea bass and sumac crusted tenderloin and malva pudding.
Houston Zoo President and CEO Lisa Peterson expressed her gratitude for the generosity of the Houston community and this year’s leading underwriters, including Kristy and Chris Bradshaw and the Bristow Group, ExxonMobil, the John P. McGovern Foundation, Bobbie Nau, and Anne Duncan, who was also the evening’s honoree. Lisa took a moment to recognize Anne as a champion of Houston Zoo.
“Anne and her husband, Charles, were instrumental in the success of our African Forest and Centennial campaigns,” said Peterson. “Anne paved the path we walk today.”
During this year’s silent auction, chaired by Julie Longoria Chen, guests bid on items during cocktail hour with the highest bid going for a reserved parking spot at the Zoo for a year for $6,600. After dinner, the spirited Live Auction sponsored by Group 1 Automotive called by auctioneer Logan Thomas highlighted competitive items. Athe Paddle Raise secured more than $435,000 – a new Zoo Ball record – thanks to generous bidders and a $150,000 match supported by Peggy Kostial, Kerry Galvin, and Dee Methvin, who gave in loving memory of emeritus board member, Stacy Methvin. Guests were further enticed to bid with a chance to win a “Date Night for a Year” gift certificate donated by Steak 48 and the Mastro Family.
The After Party, sponsored by PNC for the fourth year in a row, was chaired by Ronda Ross. Late-night bites, open bars and dancing featuring The Grooveline Dallas kept revelers dancing until midnight. Departing guests were treated to complimentary breakfast tacos from Armandos and cookies from Michael’s Cookie Jar.
The funds raised at Zoo Ball support the Zoo’s animal care, education, and wildlife-saving efforts. The Sunset on the Savanna theme highlighted the Zoo’s reimagined rhino habitat opening in early 2027 and the Zoo’s work to protect white rhinos, black rhinos, and one of the world’s rarest animals, Sumatran rhinos.
Faces in the crowd: Houston Zoo CEO Lisa Peterson and Alec Peterson, Kristy, Chris and Preston Bradshaw, Anne Duncan, Julie Longoria Chen, Ronda Ross, Peggy Kostial, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Monica Karaturi, Jennifer and Chris Laporte, Elizabeth and Neil Chapman, Courtney and Bas Solleveld, Jordan and Dylan Seff, Vanessa and Chuck Ames, Dee Methvin, Kelley and Steve Lubanko, Phoebe and Bobby Tudor, Alex and Daniel Gottschalk, Kerry Galvin, Carina and Brooks Antweil, Nancy and David Pustka, Saied and Shirin Alavi, Anita O’Shaughnessy and Chris Laquer, JP Ramirez, Brian Thomas, Victoria Villarreal, Sara and Randy Ortwein, Kathy and Marty Goossen, Isabel and Danny David, Meredith and Mason Barker, Ilyas and Elizbeth Colombowala, Monica and Brad Radoff, Lindsey Brown and Chris Shepherd, Houston Ballet Executive Director Sonja Kostich, Audrey White, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Amanda Boffone, Stephanie Fleck, Melissa Segulas
