San Antonio Zoo names Jungle Court at kid-friendly gala

King, queen of the Jungle will ride on a SA Zoo Fiesta-themed float

The 2024 Jungle Court poses with San Antonio President and CEO Tim Morrow at last Friday's Kids Zoo Ball. (Courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo)

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Zoo crowned its King and Queen of the Jungle at a kid-friendly Zoo Ball last week.

The evening’s theme was “Once Upon a Tail” and featured mocktails, dinner and a presentation of the Jungle Court.

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The event served both as a family-friendly experience and an opportunity to foster philanthropy and community, a press release from the zoo said.

“It was evident that it wasn’t just about having fun but also about supporting something you care about,” Tim Morrow, San Antonio Zoo president and CEO said. “This year’s kids did an amazing job raising money to help support the zoo, and we hope it inspires others of all ages to get involved and help the community any way they can.”

Children who participated in the Jungle Contest raised over $43,000 to contribute to the zoo’s care and conservation efforts, the release said.

Overall, the zoo ball raised $124,000.

The children who were named king and queen will get to ride on a San Antonio Zoo Fiesta-themed float. Their pictures will also be displayed at their favorite animal habitat at the zoo.

Runner-ups will also have their photos displayed, while fundraisers were eligible for other unique zoo prizes.

The 2024 Kids Zoo Ball Jungle Court:

  • Queen of the Jungle: Tinsley Childers
  • King of the Jungle: Marchesi Guido
  • Princess of the Jungle: Madelyn Pickett
  • Prince of the Jungle: Z’Anthony Reyes
  • Duchess of the Jungle: Amelia Zaiontz
  • Duke of the Jungle: Cody Naiser
  • Lady of the Jungle: Charlize Nielsen
  • Lord of the Jungle: Malachi Huffman

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About the Author

Mason Hickok is a digital producer trainee at KSAT. He graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a communication degree and a minor in film studies. He also spent two years working at The Paisano, the independent student newspaper at UTSA. Outside of the newsroom, he enjoys the outdoors, walking his dogs and listening to podcasts.

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