Zootopia, Zoo New England’s annual fundraising gala presented by Citizens Bank, is going virtual this year, and will be bringing the Zoo to everyone at home with a special online event on May 9.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on May 9, online audiences will be able to enjoy special videos from the Zoo and view silent auction bidding progress. This year’s virtual gala will also feature a video appearance by E. O. Wilson Living the Mission Award winner Dr. Charudutt Mishra, Executive Director of the Snow Leopard Trust and longtime conservation partner.

While these are challenging and unprecedented times, Zoo New England remains committed to its mission to protect and sustain the natural world for future generations. The well-being of the animals is at the core of the organization and unites the people who comprise it. The Zoos’ animal care staff is on grounds at Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo providing healthy diets, enrichment activities, veterinary care, and the human interaction our animals look forward to when the gates are open. All proceeds from Zootopia will go directly toward Zoo New England’s All for Our Animals Fund to provide critical animal care for the nearly 2,000 animals that call Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo home.

In addition to donating to Zoo New England’s All For Our Animals Fund, participants are invited to bid in Zoo New England’s annual silent auction, opening online on May 1 at Zootopia.GiveSmart.com. This year’s auction items include jewelry, animal artwork, photography, cookbooks and gift certificates, in addition to special tours at the Zoo upon reopening.

As in previous years, animal-inspired attire is encouraged. Those at home are encouraged to snap a photo of their best look and share it on social media, tagging Zoo New England and using #Zootopia to participate online. The virtual event is open to all, and everyone is invited to join as Zoo New England celebrates the natural world.

Proceeds from Zootopia 2020 will directly benefit Zoo New England’s All for Our Animals Fund.