One Of the World’s Rarest Animals Gets a $2.1 Million Houston Zoo Boost — A Reimagined Rhino Habitat Beckons
A Safari Night With Ambassador Animals
By Shelby Hodge //
Photography Daniel Ortiz for the Houston Zoo
It was another spectacular night for Houston Zoo when the “Sunset on the Savannah” gala, helmed by Kristy and Chris Bradshaw, reaped proceeds of $2.1 million. Consider the 600 grandly attired gala-goers who swanned via golf cart across the zoo terrain to the Masihara Pavilion where the celebratory evening unfolded.
The Zoo Ball theme highlighted the Houston Zoo’s reimagined rhino habitat, which is set to open in early 2027 as well as the zoo’s work to protect white rhinos and black rhinos which typically inhabit savannah landscapes, and as well as that of one of the world’s rarest animals — Sumatran rhinos, which are found in the dense tropical forests of the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
On this evening the creative Houston Zoo team transformed the space into an elegant safari tent where zoo supporters were greeted by a friendly ensemble of zoo residents. The “ambassador” animals included Ihop, an African pancake tortoise; Gary, a six-banded armadillo; and Clark, a green-winged macaw amongst others.
In the spotlight as honoree was philanthropist Anne Duncan, Houston Zoo director emeritus. She and her late husband Charles Duncan have contributed millions of dollars toward Houston Zoo’s expansion, modernization and conservation mission through the years.
“Anne and her husband Charles were instrumental in the success of our African Forest and Centennial campaigns,” Houston Zoo president and CEO Lisa Peterson says. “Anne paved the path we walk today.”
In the spirit of the evening, City Kitchen presented a menu infused with hints of African cuisine — roasted eggplant salad followed by the main course featuring a sumac crusted tenderloin and malva pudding.
Holiday Decor
The silent and live auctions, chaired by Julie Longoria Chen, provided an additional source of entertainment for the evening which reached a pinnacle with the After Party chaired by Ronda Ross.
The not-so-late-night happening, sponsored by PNC for the fourth year in a row, featured light bites, open bars and dancing to the sounds of The Grooveline Dallas. Departing zoo lovers were treated to complimentary breakfast tacos from Armandos and cookies from Michael’s Cookie Jar.
PC Seen: Peggy Kostial, Cathy and Joe Cleary, Preston Bradshaw, 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, and Isabel and Danny David.
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