MEDIA RELEASE
3 October 2014
Auckland offered night out in Africa
Aucklanders can go on a safari to meet some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife and enjoy an authentic African dinner
by getting along to Africa Night at Auckland Zoo on Sunday 2 November (4.30pm-9.30pm).
The evening is a fundraiser for Auckland Zoo and the Zoological Society of Auckland (ZSA) to support local and overseas
conservation projects and provide grants to further conservation work or studies.
Keepers, who volunteer their time, will lead guided safaris where guests will get to see iconic African wildlife,
including lion, hippo, rhino, zebra, flamingo, giraffe and cheetah, before enjoying a hosted dinner, an auction and a
talk at the Old Elephant House.
“We really encourage locals to come and support this unique night out. It’s a lot of fun, exceptional value, and
directly helps threatened wildlife here and around the world,” says Auckland Zoo carnivore team leader, Lauren Booth,
who will give a talk on her time at Cheetah Outreach in South Africa.
“The Zoo currently supports African conservation projects for giraffe, rhino and cheetah. Cheetah Outreach is where our
two nine-year-old cheetah brothers Anubis and Osiris relocated from in 2006 as part of the cheetah ambassador programme.
“I’ve been privileged to work with our incredible cheetahs since 2006. I’ve also had the opportunity to help out at
Cheetah Outreach, assisting with their cub rearing and adult training programmes, and visiting a farm to see the highly
successful Anatolian shepherd livestock guard dog programme in action ,” says Lauren.
This Turkish dog is being bred, trained and placed on farms where it protects farmers’ livestock, in turn preventing
cheetah (and other threatened carnivore species like leopard and jackal) from being shot and killed by farmers.
Puppy naming competition
“Cheetah Outreach has just bred a new litter of Anatolian puppies, and invited Auckland Zoo to name one. The public can
participate in naming this two-week-old male pup by entering the naming competition on our Facebook page, for which
there is a behind-the-scenes cheetah experience to be won. And for those who come along to Africa Night, we’ll be
sharing the latest photos and updates,” says Lauren.
Africa Night event details
Africa Night – hosted by Auckland Zoo and the Zoological Society of Auckland
Sunday 2 November 2014 (4:30pm-9:30pm)
Cost: $125 per person (restricted to 18 years+). Includes: guided safari, one complimentary drink, dinner, auction, and
guest speaker. A cash bar will operate.
Bookings essential: phone Auckland Zoo Info Centre on 09 360 3805. www.aucklandzoo.co.nz and www.zoologicalsociety.co.nz
ENDS