Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

April 18, 2012 - Jacksonville, Fl -

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ annual fundraiser is set for Saturday, April 28th from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.  In the unique setting of the Zoo, this casual, adult gala is one of Jacksonville’s premier events, having raised over $2.8 million for the care and feeding of the Zoo’s animals, as well as its educational programs, conservation and community enhancement initiatives. 

This year’s theme, An Enchanted Evening, celebrates the Zoo’s spring exhibit, Butterfly Hollow. Guests will experience a magical night under the stars with cocktails and gourmet fare by Designed Events, as well as dancing to the live music of The Bush Doctors.  ExZOOberation also boasts highly popular silent and live auctions, featuring one-of-a-kind animal experiences and private Zoo parties, as well as the opportunity to name the Zoo’s new baby giraffe.  Other featured items include tickets to the 2013 Master’s golf tournament, a private culinary experience with Ponte Vedra Inn and Club’s executive chef, Chef Muller, and a trip to Chalk Hill Estates Vineyard and Winery in California.

“I love ExZOOberation!  It is such a great time of year to spend an evening here - great food, great music, and people who love our Zoo,” said Tony Vecchio, executive director of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. “And this year with Butterfly Hollow open, it is going to be even more magical.”

Tickets begin at $100 for junior patrons and $175 for adults.  Select packages can be purchased by visiting jacksonvillezoo.org or by calling the Development Department at 904-757-4463, ext. 196.  Tables of eight are also available for purchase.

For nearly a century, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens now has more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 plants. It has won national acclaim for its South American Range of the Jaguar exhibit and has the largest botanical garden in Northeast Florida. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except Christmas day, and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org.