Los Angeles Zoo Gorillas Dine on Local Fare

The Los Angeles Zoo gorillas were ready for a tasty local treat last Thursday, as chefs from all over the city offered veggie-friendly fare at the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's Beastly Ball 2010 preview.

Chefs from eateries Malo, Celestino Ristorante, Green Street Restaurant, Maison Akira, El Cholo, La Poubelle, Clancy's Crab Broiler and Yamashiro prepared fruits, veggies and salads for the hungry apes, while Pink's provided their famous hot dogs for the event guests -- aka the Homo sapiens.

This year, the 40th annual Beastly Ball fundraiser, to be held June 19, is honoring the ubiquitous and hilarious Betty White. (If you didn't catch her on "Saturday Night Live" last month, you should really check out the skits.) All donations from the fundraiser will support the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

CC and I attended the preview again this year, and she was so excited to catch a glimpse of the gorillas. (You might notice from the above video that she even corrected me as to the difference between gorillas and monkeys. Is there such a thing as being both proud -- of her -- and embarrassed -- of myself -- at the same time?)

Also on hand were City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, who reiterated his love for Pink's and briefly chatted with CC, in addition to GLAZA president Connie Morgan and L.A. Zoo director John Lewis.

Lewis noted that Pink's was offering something extra special: "I can't help but say, if you're going to enjoy Pink's hot dogs this morning, you've gotta get the Betty White -- the Naked Hot Dog, named after Betty this year, thanks to Pink's."

That Betty. She's always doing something saucy -- and for a good cause to boot.

Individual tickets for this year’s Ball cost $1,000 each, and table reservations are available starting at $7,500. You may also make a contribution at any level in Betty’s honor. All donations will support the work of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

For more information on tickets and sponsorships, please call Maricela Vazquez at 323-644-4753.