It was a paradise for kids (both pint-sized and fully-grown) at the Houston Zoo family party

Every other year, Zoo Friends of Houston invites the entire family out to the Houston Zoo for a night of food, frolick, romps through the grounds and up-close-and-personal contacts with zoo residents. Friday night was a hit with the crowd that pushed close to 600 enthusiastic animal lovers.

Catherine Rentz, Kelli Weinzierl and Trish Whitcomb oversaw the non-stop action in an evening that honored Jeanie Kilroy and the memory of Robert Onstead. The benefit raised more than $200,000 for zoo programs.

The party began at the front gates where jugglers and stilt walkers greeted guests who could get an early start on the chow-down by bellying up to the Armandos taco truck. The African Forest was the destination for party-goers who got their eyeful of chimps, giraffes, hippos and other critters. A Fare Extraordinaire provided the bountiful buffet dinner that provided energy for bidding on the animal-themed auction. 

In addition to meet-and-greets with the animals (kisses from a sea lion, anyone?), there were games galore, plenty of opportunities for the kids to run off steam. Dancing to Leah White and the Magic Mirrors, running and jumping through an obstacle course, rides on a wildlife carousel and animal-themed arts and crafts were among the offerings.

Joining the family fun were Houston Zoo president and CEO Deborah Cannon, zoo director Rick Barongi, Kathy McGovern, Tricia and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Betty and Jess Tutor, Kelli and Eddy Blanton, Amy and Charles Onstead, Jessica and Travis Graham, Jennifer LeGrand, Janet and Dr. Don Collins, Jennifer and Todd Frazier and the chair's husbands — Ty Whitcomb, John Rentz and John Weinzierl.