Zoological Society of Florida’s Feast with the Beasts at Zoo Miami Presented by Ryder

Legendary fundraiser benefiting education and conservation programs at Zoo Miami

More than 1,000 guests enjoyed delectable delights from fine South Florida establishments, wild animal encounters, open bars, live entertainment, and more at Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) presented by Ryder 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 everything including China Grill’s lobster pancakes, Kitchen 305’s Maine lobster salad sliders and salmon tataki tacos, Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s lamb lolli-pops with sweet potatoes, Shake Shack’s signature burgers, Shula’s 347 Grill’s short ribs over garlic mash with mushrooms, and Taverna Opa’s keftedes.

“We’re thankful for the sponsors, the volunteers and staff that donated their time and funds to the 20th annual Feast With The Beasts,” said Benjamin H. Pingree, Zoological Society of Florida (ZSF) President and CEO. “Without their support and the leadership in Miami-Dade County, the Zoological Society of Florida could not fulfill its mission of wildlife conservation and education and its responsibilities of financial support to Zoo Miami at the highest levels.”

Special dignitaries at the wild fundraiser included Congressman Joe Garcia, State Senator Dwight Bullard, Commissioners Lynda Bell, Audrey Edmonson, Dennis Moss, and Clerk of the Courts Harvey Ruin. Honored guests and zoo supporters in attendance included Ron Esserman, R. Kirk Landon & Pamela Garrison, Anthony & Beth Ann Morgenthau and 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. Media personalities in attendance included CBS-4’s Marybel Rodriguez and Christina Lemus.

“We’re thrilled that our guests enjoyed the silent auction, the encounters with exotic animals, Roberto Perera & Jorge Alfano, Jon Saxx on the Saxophone, Belly Motions’ belly dancers, the Moroccan party area 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 880,000 people annually,” said Ana VeigaMilton and Irene Korge, 2013 FWTB Co-Chairs.

Photos by Louis Cruz, Sergio Alsina, Alec Milton, May Bagnell and South Florida Nights