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If your idea of a wild evening includes drinks, live music and a chance to take selfies with cool cats, it’s time to check out a zoo. Across the country, zoological parks are opening their

gates after hours for adults-only events. At some, you can even spend the night. “The fun thing is that there’s no kids, and the adults can really focus on the animals and the social

atmosphere,” says Chelsea Cound, a mental health worker and volunteer who has been attending evening events at the Minnesota Zoo for years. “It’s a different atmosphere than going to a

restaurant or a movie.… You can move around. You can talk about what you’re seeing and hearing and smelling.” The evenings often feature breweries and bands, along with yard games, zookeeper

talks and special animal exhibits. Oklahoma resident Amy Hernandez, a veteran of several Zoo Nights parties at the Tulsa Zoo, has noticed the events attract a diverse crowd, including

singles, couples and groups of women on a girls’ night out. She also likes that the evening supports a worthwhile cause: “You’re contributing to wildlife conservation. It makes you feel good

about what you’re doing.” Here are some zoos offering adults-only events across the country. Participants can feed the giraffes during the Tails, Tunes & Tastes event at the Cheyenne

Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO, COLORADO This Colorado Springs park attracts crowds to its Tails, Tunes & Tastes evenings. Guests are

encouraged to dress for a party and dancing — although keep in mind you’ll be walking up and down hills around the zoo. The grounds are open to see animal exhibits. You can also feed the

(adorable) giraffe herd bundles of lettuce in the giraffe habitat. Events are scheduled for July 25 and Aug. 29, with more dates in the works for the fall. Tickets cost $64.75 and include

unlimited small plate snacks and two drinks.