Forest Park Zoo’s Wild Evening: Safari Meets Wine

When the sun dips behind the oaks at Forest Park Zoo, the usual hum of chatter gives way to something a little more adventurous. Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, the zoo rolls out an “Animal Safari & Wine Tasting” evening that feels like a breezy blend of a nature walk and a local‑vineyard soirée.

It’s not every day you get to stroll past giraffes, lemurs, and the curious red pandas while holding a glass of crisp, locally‑sourced Pinot. The zoo has partnered with a handful of Western Massachusetts wineries—Hancock Hill, Westport Vineyards, and the up‑and‑coming Stone Ridge Cellars—to set up tasting stations along the main path. Each stop offers a small pour, a brief note about the grapes, and a chance to chat with a vintner about terroir, climate, and why the region’s cool nights make for bright wines.

Guided by the zoo’s own animal specialists, visitors will learn fun facts that go beyond the typical plaque. “We want people to feel the connection between the animals and the land that sustains them,” says Zoo Director Maria Ortega. “Wine is a celebration of that same land. When you sip a glass here, you’re tasting the story of Western Mass—just as you’re watching our African penguins dive for fish.”

The event is family‑friendly, but the organizers have made it clear that the wine stations are for adults 21 and over. Kids can still join the safari, enjoying interactive stations like the “Bug‑Bite” magnifier area and a hands‑on feather‑craft table. For the little ones, there’s a complimentary mock‑tail called the “Jungle Juice,” a fruity mix served in a reusable cup that doubles as a souvenir.

All proceeds from ticket sales, wine pours, and the on‑site auction—featuring a painted portrait of a snow leopard and a private tasting night at Westport—go straight to the zoo’s conservation and education programs. Last year’s fundraiser helped fund a new habitat for the red pandas and supported the “Wildlife in the Classroom” outreach, which brings live animals to local schools.

Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $20 for children 5‑12, with a family bundle of two adults plus two kids for $90. The price includes entry, the safari guide, a welcome glass of wine (or juice), and a snack pack of artisanal cheese and crackers. Reservations are required; you can grab yours online at forestparkzoo.org or by calling the zoo’s box office.

So whether you’re a wine aficionado, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable way to spend a Saturday evening, the Forest Park Zoo’s Animal Safari & Wine Tasting promises a blend of curiosity, flavor, and community spirit—all under the canopy of a Western Massachusetts twilight.