JAZZOO 2020 - Canceled

The Friends of the Zoo Board of Directors has been carefully considering the options for Jazzoo 2020, which had been rescheduled from June 5 to August 28. As Kansas City continues to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the board has decided to cancel Jazzoo this year to protect the health and safety of our guests, employees, and community. Typically, Jazzoo has about 5,000 attendees and nets more than $700,000 annually. As the Zoo’s biggest fundraiser, proceeds usually cover the cost of feeding more than 1,700 animals all year long and support educational programs through the Zoo Learning Fund. “This is obviously disappointing for all of us, even if it is the best decision given the current situation in our community,” said Randy Wisthoff, Executive Director/CEO of the Kansas City Zoo. “The cancellation of our largest fundraiser, especially after having been closed for eight weeks, will definitely impact the bottom line, but we are grateful for the tremendous support that Kansas Citians continue to give to the Zoo. We would like to thank the volunteers that have put many hours into planning Jazzoo, the generous sponsors who stepped up to support the event, and all of the restaurants that had agreed to participate. Ticketholders to this year’s event are receiving an email today with instructions on how to donate their purchase or request a refund. Now we are going to channel our disappointment into making next year’s Jazzoo the best yet. Mark your calendars for Friday, June 4, 2021! --k