SLASH, NANCY WILSON To Headline L.A. Zoo 'Beastly Ball' Concert For Conservation

Rock supergroup ROADCASE ROYALE's Nancy Wilson, one of the founding members of legendary Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame group HEART, and Liv Warfield, former Prince's NEW POWER GENERATION band member/R&B singer, join rock icon Slash, renowned pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, the L.A. ALL-STAR BAND led by music director Martin Guigui, and others to headline an extraordinary "Concert For Conservation" at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association Beastly Ball on Saturday, May 19 at 5:30 pm, at the L.A. Zoo, a leader in the preservation of some of the world's most critically endangered species and their habitats. Showcasing the enormous impact the Zoo has on animal conservation both locally and internationally, this year's signature fundraiser takes place on the heels of national Endangered Species Day to underscore the Zoo's commitment to saving animals from extinction. The Ball honors animal expert/conservationist Jack Hanna and features a rare after-hours stroll through the Zoo with special animal experiences, including animal feedings, keeper chats and up close interactions; the debut of a conservation mural by artist/Beautify Earth co-founder Ruben Rojas; bountiful fare from some of L.A.'s most popular restaurants; a mobile-bidding silent auction and more. Guests are invited to dress in "safari casual" attire. Honorary chair Eric Garcetti, mayor of Los Angeles, is joined by honorary committee members Slash, Lance Bass, Jackie Chan, Heather Mycoskie and Pauley Perrette. Beastly Ball chair is GLAZA trustee Tyler Kelley. Considered the "wildest" party in town, the Ball has been lauded as "one of the best parties in Los Angeles" (KCBS/KCAL TV) and "one the most important fund-raisers" (Los Angeles Times).

"In a time of rapid global species loss and disappearing habitats, the leadership role that the L.A. Zoo takes to safeguard wildlife while educating people and connecting them with nature has never been more important," says Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) president Connie Morgan. "With the Beastly Ball, our biggest fundraiser, GLAZA continues our more than 50 years of support for the Zoo's local and global work in conservation and education."

L.A. Zoo director John Lewis adds: "As Connie says, connecting people with wildlife is one of the Zoo's important obligations. And an effective way to do just that is through storytelling. That is why I am so glad we are recognizing Jack Hanna at this year's Beastly Ball. Though his stories and shared experiences he has connected millions of people with the beauty and wonder of wildlife and the challenges they face."

Hanna receives the prestigious Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award, joining previous honorees the National Geographic Society (2017),actor/environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. (2016),entertainer/philanthropist Lance Bass (2015),entertainment industry attorney Ken Ziffren (2014),actresses Pauley Perrette (2013) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (2012) and Slash, a GLAZA trustee (2011). Hanna's hands-on approach has won him widespread acclaim as Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds, conservationist, author, television personality, and lifelong adventurer. Recognized around the country as America's favorite zookeeper, he is host of TV's Emmy Award-winning "Jack Hanna's Into The Wild" and "Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown". The award he'll receive was established in memory of former GLAZA chairman Tom Mankiewicz, a beloved and highly regarded film and television writer and director. Mankiewicz, who passed away in 2010, was associated with such films as "Superman", "Diamonds Are Forever" and "Live And Let Die", and the "Hart To Hart" television series, among many others. He championed the cause of saving and protecting wildlife and the environment through education and on-the-ground conservation. He also promoted the Zoo's universal appeal and its accessibility as a gathering place for all in Los Angeles' diverse communities.

"I am honored to be receiving the Tom Mankiewicz Leadership Award at the Beastly Ball this year," says Hanna. "Over the last 40+ years, I've been lucky to spend my career working to inspire others to care about wildlife — but the work I've done is in large part due to the inspiration I gained early in my career from places like the L.A. Zoo. I'm looking forward to celebrating the amazing work being done in Los Angeles and beyond."

Featured muralist Ruben Rojas, whose animal conservation mural will be debuted at the Beastly Ball, is an artist, social impact entrepreneur, and co-founder of Beautify Earth who is influenced by media and the urban landscape. A native Angeleno, Rojas has painted in New York, Los Angeles, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, France, and for many private clients. He has received commissions from brands such as Zappos, American Express, Heineken, Lululemon, Reebok, Westfield Malls and GT Kombucha as well as from the cities of Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Los Angeles.

The mobile-bidding silent auction — also open to those who can't attend in person — is comprised of hundreds of remarkable items, and auctioneer Billy Harris leads a live auction with one-of-a-kind opportunities. Among the silent and live auction items are an original painting created for the Zoo by Ruben Rojas, combined with an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at Elephants of Asia; a fabulous vacation stay in the treehouse room at Playa Viva, a luxury environmentally-conscious resort, located near Zihuatanejo, Mexico; an LAPD Air Support ride-along; sports experiences in L.A. Clippers and L.A. Dodgers suites; VIP tickets to tapings of "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Jeopardy!"; and much more.

Beastly Ball tickets are $1,500 per person, with individual and corporate sponsorship opportunities at higher levels also available. The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles' Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Free parking is available. For tickets, information about mobile bidding and additional information, call (323) 644-9105.