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

ExZOOberASIAN 2009 – “The Year of the Dragon”

April 18, 6:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.

April 13, 2009 – Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced its 14th annual ExZOOberation fundraiser, sponsored by Bubba Burger, will be held on April 18, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.  The theme for this year’s gala is “The Year of the Dragon” and features the beautiful new Asian Bamboo Gardens and Komodo Dragon Exhibit at the Zoo.  The adult gala has become one of Jacksonville’s premier events with over $1.5 million raised for the care and feeding of the Zoo’s animals, as well as educational programs and conservation initiatives.  Guests will begin the evening with a ride on the “Orient Express” and cocktails and Asian influenced hors d’oeuvres in the Asian Bamboo Gardens.  Attendees will enjoy themed entertainment, koi and other animal encounters and will get up close with a 10-foot Komodo dragon.  A delicious dinner catered by Pastiche is followed by a live auction including unique Zoo items, such as the naming and adoption of Zoo animals, and other valuable items that are listed on the Zoo’s Web site at jacksonvillezoo.org.  Dancing to the fabulous Faze Band will round out the evening. 

Tickets begin at $175 and can be purchased by calling the Development Department at 904-757-4463, ext. 196.  Reserved tables of eight are also available. 

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 2,000 rare and exotic animals and over 1,500 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.

XXX