Zoological Society of Florida’s Feast With The Beasts at Zoo Miami

presented by U.S. Trust

More than 1,200 guests enjoyed delectable delights from 40 fine South Florida restaurants, wild animal encounters, festive animal lights by Brandano Displays, open bars, fire dancers, belly dancers, and more at Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) presented by U.S. Trust at Zoo Miami. Together the party-goers, dressed in safari-chic cocktail attire, raised significant funds for the Zoo’s education and conservation programs.

Guests dined on an array of culinary offerings, including Bonefish Grill’s sashimi tuna, Chef Adrianne’s Restaurant’s truffle mascarpone polenta with braised osso bucco, Sawa Restaurant’s angus kefta sliders, Shake Shack’s signature burgers, Eden Restaurant’s braised short rib sliders, Town Kitchen & Bar’s seared bay scallops, Los Ranchos Steakhouse’s steak ranchero with gallo pinto & chimichurri sauce, and Pardo’s Peruvian Cuisine’s rotisserie chicken with cilantro rice.

“We’re thankful for the sponsors, our county and state partners, the volunteers and staff who donated their time and money to Feast With The Beasts,” said Benjamin H. Pingree, Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) President and CEO. “Without their support, the Zoological Society of Florida could not fulfill its mission of wildlife conservation and education and its responsibilities of financial support to Zoo Miami, volunteer and member programs, and marketing and public relations efforts.”

Special dignitaries at the wild fundraiser included Assistant County Manager Alex Munoz and Commissioners Lynda Bell, Carlos Gimenez and Dennis Moss. City of Tallahassee’s Commissioner Andrew Gillum and philanthropists Trish and Dan Bell were also present. Another honored guest was Dr. James A. Kushlan, world-renowned expert on wading birds and Everglades ecology and major benefactor of Zoo Miami’s forthcoming Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit.

“We’re thrilled that our guests enjoyed everything including the silent auction, the encounters with exotic animals, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, Jon Saxx on the Saxophone, Flowing Arts Movement belly dancers, the Moroccan party area created by Caidal Events and Ron Magill’s Spectacular Dance Party. With continued support, the ZSF can provide world-class exhibits, wildlife conservation programs and education programs to more than 800,000 people annually,” said Norma Jean Abraham and Irene Korge, 2011 FWTB Co-Chairs.

The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services and financial support for the construction of new exhibits. Visit www.fwtb.org for more about the event.