Page 28 - LIN.NOVWEB

A FEAST

FBOERASTHTSE

by Tim L.Tetzlaff BABY BOYS

Naples Zoo Director of Conservation Naples Zoo is accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA),
the organization that sets and continually raises the world’s most rigorous standards for our
N aples is known for over-the-top work. We are proud to say Naples Zoo achieved its fourth accreditation in 2016. Because
fundraisers from private homes of this standing, Naples Zoo participates in Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Programs for
to posh hotels – and now for numerous rare animals. These coordinated efforts seek to maintain healthy, genetically diverse,
one of the best outdoor parties known as and demographically varied populations outside the wild. Often we serve the crucial role of
ZOObilee: Feast with the Beasts. Mark caring for bachelor herds of animals like giraffe and the endangered slender horned gazelles.
your calendar for Friday, February 24, 2017 Last year, the SSP recommended a pairing of red ruffed lemurs from two other accredited zoos
from 7:00 -11:00 p.m. You’ll be part of this for a match to be made here in Naples. This spring, the result was the wonderful birth of two
deliciously wild way of gathering together critically endangered baby red ruffed lemurs. You can see them with mom and dad in their
to support the award-winning nonprofit newly renovated habitat next to the Malagasy fosa.
Naples Zoo and its mission to educate
families and conserve wildlife here and
around the world.

ZOObilee breaks you out of the
ballroom to wander through the historic
botanical garden while dining on the savory
and sweet cuisines from many of Naples’
best restaurants and caterers. You’ll also
meet some of our wild friends, enjoy live
music and festive beverages, and see if you’re
the winner of the raffle for the Zoo’s next
African safari! There is a little something for
everyone during this delightful evening for
guests ages 21 and over.

And because Naples Zoo is not supported
by tax dollars, it’s your support that enables
our important efforts to educate the next
generation of children and insure your
favorite wildlife is around for their children
to appreciate. See just a few highlights from
the last year:

ENRICHING EDUCATION

In addition to welcoming nearly 400,000 guests a year to learn about animals through our
exhibits,daily shows,keeper talks,and cruises,Naples Zoo launched a formal education programs
for children with a modular education classroom. Excited summer campers experienced the
inaugural Camp WILD and the new ZooMobile Outreach programs expanded our mission
offsite to schools around the area. Our collaborative ZooCon Distance Learning Program
with Collier County Public Schools continues to reach more children. This program allows
4th graders to meet the National Geographic scientist on the cover of their science text and
connects 2nd graders with a leading giraffe expert so they can ask questions live from Southwest

28 Life in Naples | November 2016