Imagine walking around the zoo at twilight, having the animal exhibits all to yourself while the zoo is closed to the public.

That is exactly what guests got to experience at the Los Angeles Zoo on Saturday.

Families with eager children and patrons of all ages got a private, docent-led tour around many of the zoo's fascinating exhibits. It was all part of the annual "Twilight in the Zoo" event, hosted by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association for its members. 

Guests enjoyed viewing and learning about animals from around the world, including the new LAIR Habitat residents like the green mamba, a venomous snake that flicked its tongue at the iguana who happened to be its teasing neighbor.

There were also a wide range of small mammals such as the peculiar and cute looking chevrotain and the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, as well as adorable koalas.

Our friendly guides explained to us how the very active meerkats always had one of their gang members standing at the highest peak, on watch for predators to protect the whole mob. It was also interesting to learn that groups of meerkats are indeed called "gangs" or "mobs," because they look far more adorable than they look intimidating.

While speaking to some of the docents at dinner, we learned that each year, they must take an extensive test to renew their credentials. Thus, guests can bet they are in knowledgeable hands when getting a tour from any one of these volunteers. They are dedicated to spreading their love of animals, and these docents make the L.A. Zoo an even more enjoyable place to visit.

Enjoying a spread of hors d'oeuvres, we sat at a picnic table by Reggie, a famous alligator. As one of the docents recounted the story of how the renegade former pet gator was captured a few years ago. We even got to pet a friendly little possum before our evening at the zoo came to an end.

Exotic live animals and delicious food, two wonderful things loved by most people, came together at twilight -- something many of us may actually prefer to those vampire movies.

 

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) hosts "Twilight at the Zoo," an annual after-hours evening for GLAZA members at the Contributing Associate level and above ($250 per family).

"Twilight at the Zoo" is among the many offerings presented by the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, founded in 1963. GLAZA provides funds and other services for Los Angeles Zoo exhibits, conservation, capital projects, education programs, community outreach, research, and more through fund-raising and an endowment, membership, special events and more. The Los Angeles Zoo is an international leader in the conservation of endangered species and one of the city’s major cultural and entertainment resources.