Riverbanks ZOOfari Program 2023

welcome

Tonight’s Riverbanks ZOOfari celebrates 25 years of cocktails, cuisine and conservation. Thank you for joining us!

Your participation helps provide the highest quality care for the animals and plants in our protection and generates important resources that will save endangered species and their habitats from extinction.

While you stroll through the Zoo, be sure to sample our delicious cuisine from around the world, see if you can spot some of your favorite animals, and go a little wild with a spin on the Endangered Species Carousel. As always, the highlight of our party with a purpose is the dynamic live auction offering signature items you can’t find anywhere else. Bid on the exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes with rhinos, host a private birthday party at Waterfall Junction, indulge your senses at a private wine dinner in the Botanical Garden, and much more.

Your support tonight will make a huge impact on the conservation of animals and their habitats in our backyard and around the globe. Thank you for taking action to protect wildlife!

Thomas K. Stringfellow, President & CEO

savor cuisine

palmetto plaza

Greek Grilled Chicken Shish Kabob (GF)

Served with roasted red peppers, red onions, and zucchini topped with tzatziki sauce

Spanish Seafood Paella (DF, GF)

Shrimp, mussels and chorizo with onion, tomato, saffron infused rice topped fresh herbs

Argentine Chimichurri Lamb Empanadas (DF)

Guajillo braised lamb with roasted corn and sweet peas topped with chimichurri sauce

Indian Sweet Potato Chana Masala (VG)

Sweet potato, chick peas topped with with fresh herbs and served with grilled flatbread

Grilled Pound Cake

Topped with pineapple rum caramel sauce and toasted coconut shavings

Coffee & Tea Bar

REGULAR & DECAF

carousel plaza

Tuscan Seared Salmon (DF, GF)

Served with grape tomatoes, pepper flakes, wilted spinach over grilled broccolini

Vietnamese Pork Belly Banh Mi (DF)

Baguette topped with duck pate and smoked pork belly

Moroccan Eggplant Zaalouk (VG)

Served with grilled flatbread and fried chickpeas

ndoki forest

Italian Cajun Crawfish Arancini (DF)

Crawfish and Andouille sausage served on mushroom risotto topped with Cajun cream sauce

French Coq Au Vin (GF)

Seared chicken drumstick braised with carrots and mushrooms and served with garlic roasted potatoes

American BBQ Jackfruit Sliders (VG) roasted fuji apples served on brioche buns served with fresh kohlrabi slaw

Menu items are subject to change

(DF) dairy free | (GF) gluten free | (VG) vegetarian

Be sure to check out our Instabuy items!

Your auction donations may be tax-deductible based on the excess of funds contributed over the value of goods and services provided. Please consult with a tax advisor for more information.

Powered by Qtego Fundraising Services

Powered by Qtego Fundraising Services

live auction support conservation

BEGINS AT 8:30PM

PALMETTO PLAZA

ITEM 1

Sights, Scents and Sips

Join us at Riverbanks Botanical Garden for a magical evening! You and 7 guests will begin your enchanted evening with a champagne welcome and a guided tour from one of our expert horticulturists.

Next, enjoy your own private wine dinner, sampling varietals from around the world and surrounded by the scents and sights of more than 5,700 species of native and exotic plants. After indulging your senses, take home a oneof-a-kind gift from the Garden!

Cocktails and Candy Canes

‘Tis the season at Riverbanks! Invite your dearest friends and family to jingle and mingle the night away! Perfect for your office holiday party or family reunion! You and your guests will spend a cozy evening warming up with cocoa, mulled wine and feasting on sweet treats! Don’t forget to enjoy your private meet and greet with Santa and pose for holiday pictures you will treasure forever. End your enchanted evening by exploring our all-new Wild Lights spectacular and admiring your sponsored animal lantern!

(Max 20 guests; November-January only)

ITEM 3

Primo Parking

Save your energy for exploring the Zoo! The primo parking package includes a dedicated parking space in your name near Riverbanks’ main gate for one calendar year. You will receive your customized parking sign as a souvenir at the end of the year.

support conservation

ITEM 4

Soir´e on the Savanna

Gather your friends and family for an extraordinary evening for 8 as you explore Riverbanks’ African savanna. Our animal care team will guide you on a behind-the-scenes adventure through our giraffes’ towering indoor residence where you will have the chance to feed these tall friends their own leafy dinner. Then venture to our crash of Southern white rhinos to go behind-thescenes of their barn for an upclose glimpse of Bill, Kande and Winnifred. Wrap up your adventure with hors d’oeuvres and libations at the Rhino Observation Station.

(Max 8 guests; March-October)

ITEM 5

Dinner ISSSS Served

Slither, swim, and scurry your way through Riverbanks’ new Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center during dinnertime! Feast your eyes as our resident reptiles chow down on dinner and learn about these cool carnivores from our herpetology team. After seeing these sensational serpents, you will watch members of our dive team during an interactive fish feeding. If watching everyone eat had you work up an appetite – never fear! Head over to our Moon Jelly habitat and enjoy your own meal

(Max 6 guests)

Private Waterfall Junction Party

Make any kiddo’s birthday dreams come to life! This private party includes access to Riverbanks’ entire 3-acre children’s garden area including playhouses, tree houses, dino dig, and learning center, complete with exciting toys and games to keep the fun going! Frolic around and under a 25-foot cascading waterfall and splash zones, then enjoy snacks and sweets to celebrate. (Max 20 guests; Ages 5 and up)

ITEM 7

Party with the Penguins

You’ll be the most happening host in town with this cool cocktail party for 12 in the company of penguins. Riverbanks’ animal team will guide your group as each of your guests is offered the opportunity to go behind the scenes for an up-close encounter with our tuxedo-clad friends! Afterwards, enjoy tapas and libations with your flock.

support conservation

ITEM 8

Riverbanks Junior Ranger

Think you have what it takes to care for the more than 3,000 animals that call Riverbanks home? Now is your chance to join the team for an exciting and educational day at the Zoo! Rise and shine, because you and your friends will join our commissary staff in preparing breakfast for our beloved diners and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the commissary and veterinary facilities. Then, channel your inner zookeeper as you join our animal care team on their rounds. Every day at Riverbanks is a different adventure!

(Max 2-4 kids aged 8+) Must be accompanied by at least 2 adults. 8 guests max

TANZANIA

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 9, 2024

In celebration of 50 years of conservation leadership at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, you are invited to join Tommy Stringfellow, President & CEO, on a journey of a lifetime. You will explore five unique destinations during one of the most exciting seasons in Tanzania — the season of the Serengeti Migration. DISCOVER...

• Exclusive Lodges

• Top Wildlife Reserves

• Private Safari Activities

• AND MUCH MORE

Visit safariprofessionals.com/riverbankszoo

THANK YOU

AUCTIONEER

JIMMY DERRICK

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

EMCEE

Judi Gatson

WIS News 10

Riverbanks Society

Riverbanks Park Commission

Riverbanks Members & Guests

Printing Partner

Proceeds support the care and conservation of animals and plants at Riverbanks and beyond.