PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Zoo Foundation's ninth annual Zoolala is all about lions and bringing "Roar!" back.

The ferocious felines have been gone from the zoo for a decade, and proceeds from Zoolala will help bring them back, zoo officials said.

Zoolala 2008, "Serengeti Rendezvous," presented by Spirit Mountain Casino, is slated for Saturday, July 19, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

When the zoo's new Predators of the Serengeti exhibit opens next summer, guests will experience fierce animals such as lions, cheetahs, caracals, dwarf mongooses, red-billed hornbills and African wild dogs.

Zoolala 2008 features food and drink from 30 of Portland's leading restaurants, bakeries, wineries, breweries and coffeehouses, plus live music from a 12-piece horn-driven dance band called 5 Guys Named Moe.

A myriad of restaurants will be represented. Restaurants returning for another year include Legends at Spirit Mountain, Timberline Lodge, Le Bistro Montage, Uptown Billiards Club, Paragon Restaurant and Bar, Bay 13 and Salty's on the Columbia. Other restaurants, such as the Old Spaghetti Factory, Espresso Volare, Beaverton Bakery and Huber's Restaurant have been at Zoolala from the start. Kells Irish Pub and Desserts of Distinction are making their debut at this year's summer gala. To see a full list of participating restaurants, bakeries, wineries, and breweries, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Zoolala.

"Zoolala features fine cuisine, wine and microbrews from some of Portland's best," says Kris Terich, Oregon Zoo Foundation special events coordinator.

"Experiencing lively music and fabulous food on a warm summer evening is something not to be missed."

Zoolala receives support from Parr Lumber, Aramark and 1190 KEX. To see a list of participating companies, visit www.oregonzoo.org/Support/Zoolala/index.htm.

The old zoo entrance will open its doors to all ticket holders at 7 p.m.

Zoolala 2008 tickets can be purchased online up to a week before the event. Admission is $135 for Oregon Zoo members and $150 general admission. A portion of the cost is tax deductible.