Naples, FL – On Saturday March 10, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is hosting ZOObilee 2012: Gateway to Adventure within their historic tropical garden. Sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, the “wildest” gala of the season features a night of exotic animals and wild fun to benefit the conservation and education mission of our local zoo.

From 5:30 to 10 p.m. ZOObilee guests will experience a one-of-a-kind animal presentation hosted by Zoo Director David Tetzlaff, a culinary safari prepared by a collection of Naples’ most beloved chefs sponsored by the American Culinary Federation, open bar, music and entertainment, a live and silent auction including a chance to bid on a safari to Tanzania with the Zoo Director, and plenty of surprises within the Zoo’s enchanting Rainforest Grove beside a pair of their majestic African lions.

“ZOObilee is always my favorite gala of the year,” says four-time ZOObilee attendee, Dr. Susan Liberski. “It’s casual, completely unique, and always fun.” Dr. Liberski adds that at last year’s ZOObilee she won the King of the Zoo auction package, which included free entry to the Zoo for her husband and herself plus four guests for a year; a two-hour private behind-the-scenes tour with the Zoo’s Executive Director; a VIP parking space; a Zoo path named in her honor; a private Night Eyes tour for up to 20 friends; a private party at the Zoo for up to 60 guests; and entry to exclusive Zoo parties and more.

“It’s been fantastic,” says Liberski. “My husband and I hope to win it again this year,” she says. Patron Tickets to ZOObilee are also available and provide guests with invitations to attend both ZOObilee and a private Patron Party aboard the Naples Princess on March 9, 2012.

“The Patron Party is a special treat apart from ZOObilee,” says ZOObilee chair, Pam Krol. It includes an elegant plated dinner, open bar, and a spectacular sunset cruise, as well as select auction items that will only be available aboard ship.” The Naples Princess is also an official ZOObilee sponsor.

All proceeds raised at ZOObilee and the Patron Party are used to fund the operations and growth of the Naples Zoo, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Since the Zoo is not owned by the County or City nor are its operations subsidized by taxes, the Zoo and its conservation and education mission must be sustained through admissions and charitable donations.

“The Naples Zoo is a treasure that the whole community enjoys,” says Krol. “ZOObilee is a fun and exciting way to keep our Zoo growing for everyone.” In addition to sponsors mentioned above, key ZOObilee sponsors helping our Zoo this year are Governor Rick & Mrs. Ann Scott, Gulfshore Life magazine, and the Naples Daily News.

ZOObilee tickets may be purchased online at www.napleszoo.org/zoobilee or by calling (239) 262-5409 ext 135. Tickets for the main event are $250. Patron tickets are available for $400 and include both the party aboard the Naples Princess and the ZOObilee party inside the Zoo.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit historic tropical garden founded in 1919 that is home to a nationally accredited zoo cooperating in conservation programs both in and outside the wild for endangered species. Naples Zoo cares for wild animals on its 44-acres in the heart of Naples and offers educational programs which reached over 326,000 guests in 2011. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more, visit www.napleszoo.org, call(239) 262-5409, or www.twitter.com/NaplesZoo and www.facebook.com/napleszoo andwww.youtube.com/napleszoo.