Stars Align For Our First Gala
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's first fundraising gala was held on September 24, 1971. The Primate Ball, co-chaired by actor Jimmy Stewart's wife, Gloria, was so named because its goal was to raise money for a planned primate village. T.V. personality Ed McMahon was master of ceremonies, and guests included stars Lucille Ball and Gregory Peck. The following year, the event was christened the Beastly Ball, a name that stuck. It remains one of L.A.'s most highly anticipated fundraising events each year. The 1971 event brought in about $55,000 while the 2016 total topped $1.1 million. (Pictured, left to right: Gloria, daughter Kelly, and James Stewart with Gregory Peck)