A Spotlight on 10 Years of Impact
Houston Zoo Hosts 7th Annual Night at the Zoo
On Thursday, Feb. 13, more than 250 members of Houston Zoo’s Asante Society gathered for a night of fun and feast at the seventh annual Night at the Zoo. The wildlife enthusiasts were treated to an opportunity to sip on wine, beer, and cocktails while indulging in a delectable array of savory and sweet small plates from some of Houston’s finest local restaurants.
At this year’s Night at the Zoo Asante Society members were welcomed to Houston Zoo’s Masihara Pavilion. Throughout the evening, attendees had the chance to meet some of the Zoo’s beloved ambassador animals and interact with their dedicated keepers, gaining insight into the important conservation efforts spearheaded by the Zoo.
Houston Zoo President and CEO Lee Ehmke reflected on his nearly 10-year tenure at the Zoo and the progress achieved during his leadership. Lee expressed his heartfelt gratitude noting that “asante,” which means “thank you” in Swahili, was not nearly enough to convey the Zoo’s appreciation for its members, “the Asante Society’s unwavering support has been essential to animal care, conservation efforts, and education programs.”
Since 2015, the Zoo’s Asante Society has established itself as one of the city’s premiere donor clubs with its membership nearly doubling in size. Its members play a crucial role in the Zoo’s success. With donor support, the Zoo has opened four immersive, world-class exhibits over the last six years including Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, South America’s Pantanal, Galápagos Islands, and The Fondren Foundation Birds of the World. Looking to the future, Ehmke shared his confidence that the Zoo is ready for even more transformative changes, leaving it in a strong position to continue to make an impact. “Together, with the support of our donors, staff, and volunteers, we’ve made the Houston Zoo a world-class institution, and it’s now poised for even greater success in the years ahead,” Ehmke said.
Ehmke will be honored at the upcoming Zoo Ball 2025 – Enchanted Forests on October 25.
For more information on Houston Zoo’s Asante Society, initiatives, and ways to get involved, learn more on our website.
