Cocktails Meet Conservation at this Annual Event

The Detroit Zoo gala aims to support endangered animals
2143

From the mountains of China to the forests of Nepal, our global wildlife is filled with endangered species — snow leopards and red pandas to name a few. Here in metro Detroit, a night of informative presentations, plus cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, will bring this concern to the forefront.

The Detroit Zoological Society, in partnership with Ford Motor Co., will host the second annual Wildlife Conservation Gala on April 27, with the theme being “Standing up to Extinction.” The aptly titled night will focus on global efforts to save endangered species and how the Detroit Zoo is aiming to lead and support the charge.

“Conservation is an important part of our mission,” says Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer at the Detroit Zoo. “We have this unique opportunity and obligation to help people learn about animals at the zoo, to help them understand that these animals are threatened and endangered and in need of protection and conservation.”

Held in the Detroit Zoo’s Wildlife Interpretative Gallery, the event will educate guests about the organization’s role in local and global conservation efforts, like conducting population studies of penguins in the Falkland Islands and saving nearly extinct toads in the U.S. and beyond. Guests will also get a chance to mingle, participate in a raffle, and enjoy dinner. An award will be presented to an individual who embodies the organization’s goal of “celebrating and saving wildlife.”

Cocktail attire is requested for the 21-and-older fundraising event. Admission begins at $300 for individuals, and there are several tiers of sponsorship. All proceeds will go towards the zoo’s various wildlife conservation programs.

“We need people to gain a greater understanding of what their impact on animals around the world is,” Carter says. “The Conservation Gala is another way for us to bring attention to that.”


For more information, visit detroitzoo.org