For Immediate Release
Contact: Gina Stiles (904) 757-4463 ext. 210

 YOU’RE INVITED TO SPLASH N’BASH AT ZOOBILEE!
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Family FUNdraiser

Jacksonville, FL ,August 16, 2007— The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, announced its second annual family fundraiser, ZOObilee, to be held on Saturday, August 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Zoo’s new Great Lawn area, part of its new Gardens at Trout River Plaza due to open in September.

“This is a great way to enjoy food, entertainment, animal encounters, enjoy the Splash Ground and be among the first to preview our new Gardens of Trout River Plaza—all while contributing to the Zoo’s continued growth for the benefit of the community,” said Dennis Pate, executive director of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

All evening long attendees can ride the train and carousel, enjoy kid-friendly food from some of the area’s great restaurants, and adult-friendly drinks, enjoy music and entertainment.  Kids will love playing in the Play Park Splash Ground, on the giant water slide and bouncy house and can play games for prizes and participate in a special Zoo Cake Walk with animal food cupcakes to feed the giraffes!  The evening ends with a blast when Tony Boselli, former Jaguar star player, draws the name of the lucky winner of the Coggin Chevrolet Trailblazer.   

The event is open to the general public. Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children (children under 3 are free) and can be purchased online at jacksonvillezoo.org. All proceeds will benefit the Jacksonville Zoo.  

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment. Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Jacksonville Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA).  It is open year-round, seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekends, 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 www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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