Nashville Zoo’s Sunset Safari Takes Guests on a Tour Through Emerald City

On a beautiful September evening, epicureans and supporters of the Nashville Zoo arrived for a food-filled evening at Sunset Safari. The event raises crucial funds, supporting the zoo’s mission to inspire people to understand and discover the natural world. The Nashville Zoo is internationally recognized for its extensive work in assisted reproductive biotechnology and captive breeding. Of the approximately 350 species in its care, over one-third are in a species survival program, including the Amur and clouded leopards and the giant anteaters.

Event patrons kicked things off with a VIP reception, before everyone headed out along the paths that wind through the zoo’s animal habitats. Guests spent a moment with Remy — a juvenile harpy eagle — who stood regally while the crowd asked his handler questions. Then, it was time to eat.

This year’s theme, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, was on full display, as some guests wore their best Emerald City finery. Nashville restaurant pop-ups peppered the path, offering tasty bites of delicious cuisine and specialty cocktail samples. (And ample bars supplied those who were particularly thirsty.) Crowd favorites included STK, which brought back its famous beef tartare, Limo Peruvian Eatery, Puckett’s Restaurant with its filling Piggy Mac (a delightful combination of pulled pork and mac and cheese), Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken and many more.

Many guests paused at the African Field to observe a menagerie of species, including zebras and elands. A lone ostrich stood in the fading light of sunset, taking in the last moments of the day, surrounded by the safety and care of the Nashville Zoo team. 

After finishing a beautiful stroll and taking in animal habitats along the way, guests caught performances by The Music City Sound and Leah Marlene in Festival Field.