Deets: Adaptation is key in the animal kingdom. This year, it’s just as important for Friends of the National Zoo’s popular gourmet tasting event. 

Bite Night: ZooFari has become “Byte Night: ZooFari, sponsored by GEICO,” a virtual event that will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 25. Hosted by Friends of the National Zoo, this livestreaming event will take the food, fun, and conservation success stories totally online—and totally free.  

During the hourlong event, guests will get a giant panda cub update from the Zoo’s Deputy Director Brandie Smith, see awesome animal demos, hear from some surprise celebrity guests, and bid on auction items and experiences. We’ll bring guests to the Zoo from the comfort of their couches, showing off some conservation success stories from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and Conservation Nation—and tell you how you can support these vital projects. 

AUCTION The auction includes items such as animal-created paintings, travel packages, and virtual behind-the-scenes Zoo experiences. Pre-bidding will begin on Friday, Sept. 18, and will close at the end of the free event one week later. The auction page can be found here. 

VIP PACKAGES You can take your Byte Night to the next level with a VIP package. Bring one of Washington, D.C.’s best chefs into your home to cook a meal for family and friends; have a prepared meal sent to your door; or receive a wonderful selection of wine or beer (with snacks) —all on a night of your choice.  

Some of D.C.’s best chefs are participating in these VIP packages, including Chef Host Tim Ma, of American Son, Prather’s on the Alley, and Laoban Dumplings; Cathal Armstrong of Kaliwa, Erik Bruner-Yang, of Spoken English, Maketto, and more; Jerome Grant, of Sweet Home Café, Jackie, and Dacha Beer Garden; Kevin Tien, of Himitsu and Emilie’s; and many, many more. For the full list, click here. 

All packages are available on a night of the buyer’s choice. All packages include a look behind the scenes at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, a virtual Q&A with a Zoo expert, and more. For the full list of package benefits, click here

Hint for the Average Socialite: Registration is FREE but required to attend, and includes access to the free virtual event, from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25.