Wild night out for wildlife

MEDIA RELEASE

July 24, 2002

Wild night out for wildlife

Auckland Zoo keepers are inviting all animal loving kiwis and visitors to Auckland to join them for the wildest night for wildlife in early spring.

The 'Wild Night Out Masquerade Ball' on Saturday September 7 at Eden Park's ASB Lounge is a first for the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund, which works to raise much-needed funds to support conservation projects in the wild.

Established in 2000, the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund has already contributed valuable financial assistance, expertise and veterinary equipment towards the recovery and care of endangered Malayan sunbears, Sumatran tigers and orangutans, and Vietnamese turtles and tortoises.

"Our goal is to contribute to conserving the natural habitat of some of the South East Asian endangered species we breed at the Zoo, but we can't do that without the funds," says Glen Holland, who leads Auckland Zoo's passionate team of keepers.

"Zoo keepers are a wonderfully crazy bunch, so this ball's guaranteed to be loads of fun. And for anyone who cares about preserving this planet's precious wildlife, here's a chance to make a difference," says Glen, who's encouraging everyone to masquerade as their favourite animal.

Entertainment will include the fabulously wild MCs Buffy & Bimbo, and Prima Swing Riot, the well-known jazz, swing and covers band, guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor.

The auctioning of two paintings - one by an Auckland Zoo elephant and the other by one of the Zoo’s orangutans, will give those who come to the ball, the opportunity to bid for two unique pieces of art.

All ticket holders will also go in the draw to win a Kumuka 18-day overland African Safari adventure for two.

And of course, there's the chance to mix and mingle with all the stars from 'The Zoo' programme, which is scheduled to return to your screens for a fourth series later this year.

Ball tickets are $75 (single) or $140 (double). Bookings can be made by emailing drayhoge@ackcity.govt.nz with credit card details, or posting a cheque (made out to Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund) with details to: Wild Night Out Masquerade Ball, Auckland Zoo, Private Bag, Grey Lynn, Auckland. Tickets can also be purchased directly from Auckland Zoo by asking at the cashier's booth.
Tickets are limited.

ENDS

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