A roaring good time is planned for Zoobilation this Saturday to celebrate the Salisbury Zoo’s 60th anniversary.

Dress is safari casual, meaning guests can pull animal print pants from a corner of the closet and spend five hours, from 5 to 10 p.m., sampling foods and beer and wine, as well as antics of the wild residents.

Many guests dress for the event, said Jenni Pastusak, Delmarva Zoological Society board member.

“It gives them a reason to wear those animal prints. If they want to put on a hard hat, they can do that, too. One year we had a Mexican theme. It makes it a fun opportunity if they want to dress up. You are in the middle of the zoo, so if you want to blend in with your surroundings, this is the time,” Pastusak said.

Tastings will be from restaurants including Irish Penny, The Deli, La Tolteca, High Spot and Cake Art, all situated under tents throughout the 12 acres, so guests can roam and regard the animals, some that will be interacting with caretakers.

Bands On the Edge and Test Kitchen will perform for guests, who must be at least 21 year old. Tickets cost $60 each. Call 410-548-3188.

There will be a silent auction with prizes such as vacation packages, overnight stays and works of art.

Last year, 350 people attended Zoobilation and $22,000 was raised. Board members hope $35,000 will benefit the zoo this year, and  that 400 to 500 people will be there.

Proceeds won’t be unleashed for a specific project, but for general zoo renewal, Pastusak said.

"The Salisbury Zoo has a lot of community support, considering the number of volunteers that come out of the woodwork to help with different activities within the zoo,” she said.

“Zoobilation is a great way to celebrate all of the hard work and dedication put into the zoo by

the staff, the city of Salisbury, zoo-related organizations, business partners and the community.

“This is one of our largest fund-raisers. When people are asked to donate money, they want to give to something successful. This event showcases all of the reasons the Salisbury Zoo is successful and still growing,” she said, adding she often takes her sons, 7-year-old Nicolas and 10-year-old Stephen, to observe and learn about the animals.

Another unique zoo fund-raiser is flocking, or ordering the surprise appearance of a cluster of pink flamingo yard ornaments on a friend’s lawn.

“Anyone can order a flocking and it’s up to them how crazy they want it to be. All the information to order a flocking is at www.zoobilationsalisbury.com. Once you are flocked you can pay to have somebody else flocked,” Pastusak said, explaining it’s popularity is as far-reaching as Bridgeville, Del.

“It’s a lot of fun and it raises money for the zoo. Our zoo is free to anyone who wants to walk through and not many communities have that,” Pastusak said.

“It’s really a hidden gem.”