Mystique in the Wild: A Masquerade at the Zoo

Under the shimmering lights and the watchful eyes of exotic animals, students stepped into a night of mystery and magic where velvet masks met wild roars at the unforgettable Mystique in the Wild prom. On May 10th, Minarets students gathered at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo for a night like no other. But this isn’t just prom, it’s a mystique masquerade, where elegance meets the wild. Beneath the stars, among animals and friends, it was promised to be a magical evening full of wonder, memories, and celebration. When students step out in their finest attire and mysterious masks, they are welcomed by the enchanting atmosphere of the zoo after dark. The students were skeptical at first, thinking a masquerade dance wouldn’t be a good idea, but were quickly proven wrong as soon as they walked through the door.  

Minarets High School’s prom was truly a night to remember, as students stepped into a dreamlike masquerade under the starlit sky, held outdoors at the city zoo beside the giraffe exhibit. With elegant masks, flowing gowns, and the gentle presence of giraffes just beyond the dance floor, the evening felt like something out of a storybook. Twinkling string lights lit the way as music drifted through the warm night air, and laughter echoed between animal enclosures. Ronnie McClure says, “This was my favorite prom, this is probably the one I'm going to remember this year more than last year. This one was just so significant to me.” With people's favorite parts being the slow dances, they just truly embraced the moments they got to spend together. Guests enjoyed complimentary cheesecake and refreshing mocktails, savoring each moment of this enchanting, one-of-a-kind celebration that brought a touch of magic to the end of their high school journey.

As the night came to a close, students gathered for one last dance, their masks slightly askew and hearts full of memories. The soft glow of the lights, the distant calls of the animals, and the shared joy of the evening created a moment none would soon forget. It wasn’t just a prom, it was a farewell to high school wrapped in wonder, laughter, and the wild charm of the zoo.

Written by: Tobias Glenos

Edited by: Josephina Emerson

Photos by: Kaydance Musacchio