Jack and Eva are a pair of bald eagles currently cared for at The Zoo in Forest Park.
Reminder Publishing file photo
SPRINGFIELD — For one afternoon each summer, The Zoo in Forest Park trades children’s laughter for the clink of tasting glasses as hundreds of adults gather to sip local craft beer while supporting animal care and conservation.
Now in its eighth year, Brew at The Zoo has become more than a popular summer tradition. The Aug. 1 event is The Zoo in Forest Park’s largest annual fundraiser, helping provide daily care for more than 200 animals while supporting the zoo’s award-winning wildlife education programs throughout the community.
For Assistant Executive Director Gabry Tyson, the event also offers an opportunity to remind residents that the zoo depends heavily on community support.
“One thing many people don’t realize is that The Zoo in Forest Park is an independent, nonprofit organization located within a city-run park,” Tyson said. “We are not owned or operated by the city of Springfield, so we rely on the support of our community, guests and fundraising events like Brew at The Zoo to allow us to continue to serve as a resource within our community and for animals in need.”
Related: So That Reminds Me: The Zoo in Forest Park is open for the season
This year’s event, presented by PeoplesBank, runs from 1:30-5 p.m. and features samples from more than 20 breweries, live music by Stillwater Band, three food trucks, two dessert vendors, a raffle and the chance to explore the zoo after hours.
While many fundraising events remain largely unchanged from year to year, Tyson said Brew at The Zoo has evolved steadily by listening to both guests and participating vendors.
“Brew at The Zoo has definitely evolved over the past eight years, and much of that growth has been driven by guest and vendor feedback,” she said. “We’ve worked to enhance the experience while keeping the event true to what it is.”
Among the changes are an extended VIP hour, the addition of a VIP non-drinking ticket option and relocating the popular homebrew competition to a larger space that encourages more interaction among brewers and attendees.
Returning guests, Tyson said, can expect “all of their favorite elements like great local breweries, live music, animal encounters and a fun afternoon supporting a great cause, along with the welcoming community atmosphere that has made Brew at The Zoo one of our signature events.”
A highlight of the event remains the VIP experience, which offers early admission, keeper talks and up-close encounters with ambassador animals, including birds, reptiles and small mammals. But Tyson emphasized those memorable moments never come at the expense of the animals’ well-being.
“The wellbeing of our animals will always be our highest priority,” she said. “While we love creating memorable experiences for our guests, every animal’s participation is completely voluntary.”
Before each encounter, animal care staff evaluate whether an ambassador animal is interested in participating.
“If an animal shows us through their behavior or body language that they aren’t interested in participating that day, we don’t force them,” Tyson said.
To reduce stress, the VIP experience is limited in length, and the animals are handled by the keepers and educators who know them best. Tyson said the zoo also intentionally keeps participating species a surprise until the day of the event.
“This is also why we never announce in advance which animals will be participating in events or programs,” she said. “It allows our team to make decisions based solely on each animal’s behavior and wellbeing that day.”
Although Brew at The Zoo is centered on craft beer, Tyson hopes visitors leave with something far more lasting than memories of a favorite brew.
“We hope first-time guests leave with a new appreciation for both our animals and our mission,” she said. “Many people think of the zoo as a place primarily for children, but Brew at The Zoo gives adults an excuse to return to The Zoo either for the first time or for the first time in a long time.”
She added that the zoo hopes visitors rediscover their curiosity about the natural world.
“While they’re here, we hope they’re reminded that you’re never too old to learn something new. If guests leave feeling more connected to nature and inspired to become advocates for wildlife in their own backyard, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”
The event also features the return of its popular Homebrew Competition, where guests vote for their favorite amateur brew. Among the returning participants are Nick and Maddy Bednaz, owners of StrongHaus Brewing, who have competed for more than five years.
“Brew at The Zoo is one of our favorite beer events,” the couple said in a statement. “The atmosphere is always fun and supportive; from sharing brewing tips with fellow homebrewers to getting feedback and chatting with the attendees.”
Tyson offered one final reminder for prospective attendees.
“Brew at The Zoo is strictly a 21 and up event,” she said. “It’s the perfect reason to hire a babysitter and come explore nature, with a drink in your hand, of course.”
Brew at The Zoo will be held Saturday, Aug. 1. Advanced tickets are required, and guests must present a valid photo ID for admission.
