Jazzoo 2020 canceled, to return next year

A postponement of the original date for the event has turned into a cancelation after a decision from the Friends of the Zoo Board of Directors announced it will be canceling Jazzoo 2020.

Weeks prior, the organization announced it would reschedule the event from June 5 to Aug. 28 in hopes that the spread of coronavirus would slow down enough to allow safe attendance.

The board made the decision Monday to cancel the event altogether to protect the health and safety of zoo guests, employees and the community, reports KMBC 9 News.

“This is obviously disappointing for all of us, even if it is the best decision given the current situation in our community,” Randy Wisthoff, Executive Director/CEO of the Kansas City Zoo, said. “The cancellation of our largest fundraiser, especially after having been closed for eight weeks, will definitely impact the bottom line, but we are grateful for the tremendous support that Kansas Citians continue to give to the zoo.”

Normally 5,000 guests attend Jazzoo each year, the event alone helping to bring in more than $700,000 annually, according to the Kansas City Zoo website. Each year proceeds from the event help to cover the cost of feeding the zoo’s more than 1,700 animals all year long as well as educational programs through the Zoo Learning Fund.

Officials with the zoo said ticket holders for the 2020 event should be receiving an email Monday, July 13, with instructions on how to donate their purchase, or to request a refund.