Over 1200 animal lovers braved insanely cold temperatures (by our standards) at Miami Metro Zoo for one of the most popular and well-attended galas of the season — the Zoological Society of Florida’s annual fundraiser, “Feast with the Beasts” (FWTB). No speeches, no black tie and guests meander through the picturesque, artistically illuminated grounds of the zoo – yes outdoors – grazing on gourmet offerings from 40 of South Florida’s best restaurants, caterers and pastry chefs.
Gala co-chairs, Irene Korge and Norma Jean Abraham, created an exciting Venetian carnival-inspired atmosphere with different bands, belly dancers, fire dancers and eight open bars. Most of the guests got into the animal spirit and wore wild outfits, many of them with animal prints or added feathers. As always, zookeepers wandered throughout the party holding a variety of animals – parrots, hawks, snakes, skunks and lizards — for the partygoers to get to meet and pet. The evening wound down, or up rather, with dancing to ward off the cold winds blowing at Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party.
*The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit that supports Miami Metro Zoo through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits. The zoo provides world-class exhibits, wildlife conservation programs and education programs to more than 800,000 people annually.
Visit www.fwtb.org for event details and www.miamimetrozoo.com
Daisy Olivera
By the way, the Miami Metro Zoo name is officially changing to ZOO Miami, on the zoo’s 30th anniversary, July 2, 2010).
 & Ramsie Taylor.jpg "Frank Ridgley, Annalee Monyhan (with Loni the Florida Box Turtle) & Ramsie Taylor")
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