Zoo serves up Cocktails for Conservation

Czar, a male snow leopard at Chattanooga Zoo, is listed as globally endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Photo by Contributed Photo /Chattanooga Times Free Press.

The protection of endangered species is the primary focus of Cocktails for Conservation at Chattanooga Zoo. This year's event, scheduled Friday, Feb. 8, is expected to attract about 200 people who will be helping to raise much-needed funding for the zoo's ongoing conservation efforts, says Marisa Ogles, director of marketing and communications.

The goal is to raise at least $5,000, she says. Proceeds will benefit the zoo's many conservation projects, including the breeding of hellbenders, the largest salamanders in North America, and Kihansi spray toads, a species that is completely extinct in the wild.

In addition, proceeds will help support the zoo's Conservation Outreach Group (ZCOG) as well as the Species Survival Plans for critically endangered animals.

"The funds we raise through Cocktails for Conservation allow us to continue our critical conservation efforts so that many of the world's most fascinating and beautiful creatures do not become completely extinct," says Executive Director Darde Long in a news release.

Light appetizers and beverages, including a special "conservation cocktail," will be served during the evening.

"There won't be live entertainment, but there will be music and up-close animal encounters," Ogles says.

The dress for the evening is casual work attire.

Contact staff writer Karen Nazor Hill at khill@times freepress.com or 423-757-6396. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/karennazor hill. Subscribe to her posts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karennazorhill.