San Antonio Zoo Opens Registration for 2026 Kids Zoo Ball Jungle Contest: Young Philanthropists Invited to Compete for King and Queen of the Jungle
For families across San Antonio looking for a meaningful way to get their children involved in giving back, the San Antonio Zoo is offering an opportunity that blends philanthropy, fun and a little royal flair.
Registration is officially open for the 2026 Kids Zoo Ball Jungle Contest, an annual fundraiser that invites children ages 3–17 to compete by raising funds in support of the Zoo’s animal care, education programs and conservation initiatives. The top boy and girl fundraisers will be crowned King and Queen of the Jungle during the 8th Annual Kids Zoo Ball, Presented by DOCUmation, on March 27, 2026.
A Philanthropic Journey for San Antonio Families
The Kids Zoo Ball Jungle Contest is more than a competition. It introduces young participants to philanthropy while directly supporting San Antonio Zoo’s mission to inspire the community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live.
Proceeds from the Jungle Contest and the Kids Zoo Ball help fund the Zoo’s world-class animal care, hands-on education programs for all ages and conservation efforts both locally in Texas and globally.
For many San Antonio families, the Zoo is already a place of childhood memories, school field trips and weekend outings. The Jungle Contest offers children a chance to take ownership of that connection and play a role in securing a future for wildlife.
How the Jungle Contest Works
Open to children ages 3–17, participants compete to raise funds for San Antonio Zoo. Registration opened February 20, 2026, and families can now sign up for the 2026 contest.
The fundraising competition determines the royal titles:
- The boy and girl who raise the most funds will be crowned King and Queen of the Jungle.
- The top eight fundraisers — four boys and four girls — will earn a coveted spot on the Jungle Court.
- All participants are eligible to earn “Milestone Prizes” and unique zoo experiences tied to their fundraising achievements.
In addition to the grand honor of being crowned, top participants can earn unforgettable experiences, including the opportunity to ride on the San Antonio Zoo Fiesta float or have their photo featured near their favorite animal habitat at the Zoo — a keepsake that celebrates both their achievement and their love for wildlife.
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What to Expect at the 8th Annual Kids Zoo Ball
Set for March 27, 2026, the 8th Annual Kids Zoo Ball promises what organizers describe as a magical and glamorous evening for parents and children alike.
The evening’s program includes:
- 6:00 p.m. – Mocktail/Cocktail Hour, Silent Auction, Photo Opportunities, Animal Ambassadors, Carousel rides and Face Painting
- 7:00 p.m. – Dinner
- 7:30 p.m. – Presentation of the Jungle Court winners
- 8:00 p.m. – Dance Party
- 9:00 p.m. – Event Concludes
Branded this year as “Once Upon a Tail,” the kid-friendly gala transforms the Zoo into an after-hours celebration filled with interactive activities, dinner and a dance party. Families can expect animal ambassador encounters, photo opportunities and a festive atmosphere that brings the Zoo to life in a new way.
For children competing in the Jungle Contest, the evening culminates in the presentation of the Jungle Court winners — a moment that celebrates not only fundraising success but also the spirit of community giving.
Why It Matters for San Antonio
As one of the city’s most visited cultural institutions, San Antonio Zoo plays a significant role in regional tourism, environmental education and wildlife conservation. Programs funded through events like the Kids Zoo Ball support daily animal care, veterinary services, habitat improvements and education initiatives that reach thousands of students each year.
By encouraging children to participate in fundraising, the Jungle Contest helps cultivate early lessons in leadership, generosity and civic responsibility. It also reinforces the Zoo’s broader conservation message — that protecting animals and their habitats requires collective action.
For families searching for ways to teach their children about giving back, community involvement and environmental stewardship, the Jungle Contest offers a hands-on opportunity rooted right here in San Antonio.
How to Register
Families interested in participating in the 2026 Kids Zoo Ball Jungle Contest can register online here or directly through the event page here.
With registration now open, young animal lovers across San Antonio have the chance to embark on their own philanthropic journey — and possibly earn the crown as the Zoo’s next King or Queen of the Jungle.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.