Partying with the penguins at Jacksonville Zoo
Posted: April 23, 2010 - 12:12am
Provided by Steve DiMattia
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens' new Magellanic penguin exhibit was featured at this year's ExZOOberation.
The penguins at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens had a party recently and invited more than 500 of their closest friends.
While the penguins sported their formal tuxedos, the guests, who donated a minimum of $175 to attend, dressed in a combination of black and white to honor their hosts.
It was all in the name of ExZOOberation, the zoo's largest adult evening fundraiser, now in its 15th year.
To date, the annual event has raised more than $2.2 million that supports the care for 1,400 animals, helps to maintain the gardens and contributes to the zoo's educational programs and conservation initiatives.
The zoo's new Magellanic penguin exhibit was featured this year, and the seven birds did not disappoint. They frolicked freely around "Tuxedo Coast" and swam playfully up to the viewing window to greet guests.
And they have not disappointed on another front, either.
The zoo's director of animal programs, Delfi Messenger, said she observed breeding behavior, which may soon lead to new additions to the exhibit.
This news complemented the Penguin Adoption Package that was up for auction and included the right to name any offspring through 2011. It was one of many packages auctioned either live or through silent bidding. Others included Gorilla and Lion Adoption Packages and an African Safari, as well as items and services from local businesses that included everything from home landscaping to a jersey autographed by Tim Tebow. The live auction brought in $30,000.
"This is THE party of the year," said Diane David, the zoo's director of development. "Thanks to our volunteer chairs and committee, the evening was beautiful, we had a good turnout and I think everyone had a fantastic time - all to benefit our wonderful Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens."
Source
While the penguins sported their formal tuxedos, the guests, who donated a minimum of $175 to attend, dressed in a combination of black and white to honor their hosts.
It was all in the name of ExZOOberation, the zoo's largest adult evening fundraiser, now in its 15th year.
To date, the annual event has raised more than $2.2 million that supports the care for 1,400 animals, helps to maintain the gardens and contributes to the zoo's educational programs and conservation initiatives.
The zoo's new Magellanic penguin exhibit was featured this year, and the seven birds did not disappoint. They frolicked freely around "Tuxedo Coast" and swam playfully up to the viewing window to greet guests.
And they have not disappointed on another front, either.
The zoo's director of animal programs, Delfi Messenger, said she observed breeding behavior, which may soon lead to new additions to the exhibit.
This news complemented the Penguin Adoption Package that was up for auction and included the right to name any offspring through 2011. It was one of many packages auctioned either live or through silent bidding. Others included Gorilla and Lion Adoption Packages and an African Safari, as well as items and services from local businesses that included everything from home landscaping to a jersey autographed by Tim Tebow. The live auction brought in $30,000.
"This is THE party of the year," said Diane David, the zoo's director of development. "Thanks to our volunteer chairs and committee, the evening was beautiful, we had a good turnout and I think everyone had a fantastic time - all to benefit our wonderful Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens."
Source
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