For immediate release
Contact: Gina Stiles, 904-757-4463, ext. 210

Enjoy a Night in TUSKany at the
 2008 ExZOOberation Fundraising Gala

March 20, 2008 – Jacksonville, FL – On April 12, 2007, at 6:30 p.m., the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will host its 13th annual ExZOOberation fundraising gala benefiting the Zoo.  The theme for this year’s event is “A Night in TUSKany” using an Italian theme, with an animal twist.  The casual, adult-oriented gala has become one of Jacksonville’s premier events with a total of over $1.6 million raised for the care and feeding of the Zoo’s animals as well as educational programs and conservation initiatives.  AXA Advisors is the title sponsor of this year’s event.

“We are thrilled with the beautiful Gardens at Trout River Plaza setting for this year’s ExZOOberation,” said Diane David, Director of Development at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. 

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the Zoo’s new Stingray Bay interactive exhibit and then guests will proceed to the Zoo gardens to enjoy animal encounters, entertainment, a silent and live auction, a delicious dinner and dancing.  This year the live auction will feature unique Zoo animal adoption packages.  Each adoption package includes signage at the exhibit, naming rights for offspring, behind the scenes tours including animal husbandry training sessions and enrichment, private party at your adopted animal’s exhibit and quarterly updates from your animal’s keeper.

Tickets begin at $175 per person and can be purchased by calling the Development Department at 904-757-4463, ext. 196.   

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 more than 1,500 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  Located on Jacksonville’s north side two miles off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  The Zoo is open until 6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays from March to Labor Day.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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