Seattle—Woodland Park Zoo is delighted to announce that renowned actor and award-winning vintner Kyle MacLachlan will serve as Honorary Chair of the 50^th Anniversary Jungle Party on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Jungle Party, the zoo’s premier fundraising gala, supports Woodland Park Zoo’s world-class animal care, extraordinary experiences for guests of every age, and wildlife conservation programs throughout the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

The 2026 Jungle Party Chairs include long-time friends and supporters of the zoo, Mary Blodgett, Jill Walker, Monica Rasmussen, and Rick Rasmussen.

 “There’s something magical about celebrating together with people who share a passion for wildlife conservation, wine and the Pacific Northwest,” said MacLachlan. “This is a milestone year, and I’m honored to be involved.”

About Kyle MacLachlan

Originally from Yakima, MacLachlan is an acclaimed actor known for his extensive work in film and television, including his iconic role as FBI Agent Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks and standout performances in Dune, Blue Velvet, Sex & the City, Desperate Housewives, Portlandia, and many others. He is currently starring in Amazon Prime’s number one series, Fallout.

MacLachlan is also the owner of Pursued by Bear, a Walla Walla winery he founded in 2005. The winery’s name is a playful nod to MacLachlan’s work as an actor and an homage to Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale, a comical stage direction that calls for the actor to exit the stage while “pursued by a bear.”

About Jungle Party

Jungle Party’s 50^th anniversary theme is Voices of the Wild, which underscores our responsibility as voices for wildlife and recognizes that people have the power to create lasting conservation change.

“Saving species in the wild and their habitats are our top philanthropic priorities. It is critical for our environment and for the health of our shared future that we work together to protect these threatened ecosystems,” said Woodland Park Zoo Board Member Jill Walker, who is excited to be chairing this event for the fifth time and who has affectionately become known as Jungle Party Jill. “Jungle Party is an inspirational call to action for the conservation mission while also being the best party of the summer.”

Jungle Party began as a zoo potluck in 1976. Since that time it has grown to be an annual gathering of nearly 900 philanthropic, civic and business leaders with partnership from valued sponsors and vendors.

“Jungle Party exemplifies how our community rallies behind its zoo in powerful ways. Philanthropy is essential to fulfilling the zoo’s mission,” said Woodland Park Zoo Chief Development Officer Sarah Valentine.

The 2026 fundraising goal is $2.1 million, and the philanthropic support extends beyond animals to also help the zoo provide play and learning in nature for all ages, maintain and build world-class sustainability programs, and offer one of the largest community access programs in the region to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for the people and families of our community.

This year’s Jungle Party will feature exquisite bites and fine Washington wine served by renowned local chefs and vintners, a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions and special animal encounters, along with other surprises.

To learn more about Jungle Party and for ticket information, please visit www.zoo.org/jungleparty.

To learn more about Kyle MacLachlan’s winery, please visit www.pursuedbybearwine.com