Friends of the Zoo Celebrates Second Annual Fall Conservation Ball
SYRACUSE, NY, September 9, 2022 — The Friends of the Zoo Board is hosting its second annual Fall Conservation Ball on Friday, September 23, from 6-9 p.m. with an outdoor courtyard party highlighting the zoo’s significant accomplishments over the past year, including the opening of the new Animal Health Center – the second-largest zoological medical center in New York state.
Animal ambassadors will greet guests upon arrival while listening to live music from Al Cutri Trio. Cocktails and premium hors d’oeuvres of bacon-wrapped dates, fried samosa pierogies with mango chutney and sweet potato skins will be passed as guests mix, mingle and take part in a silent auction.
Our outstanding culinary team will provide a raw seafood bar including shrimp cocktails, oysters and clams in conjunction with a carving station featuring herb and mustard marinated pork rack with cranberry relish and pepper-crusted strip loin with horseradish crème fraiche.
There will also be a Mediterranean Market Display of artisanal cheeses and cured meats, as well as a Harvest Bisque and Grilled Cheese Station and a Made-to-Order Gnocchi Station.
At 7 p.m. there will be a sunset champagne toast in honor of the zoo’s milestone year, followed by a live auction featuring animal encounters and one-of-a-kind items. A silent auction is also underway with many unique items available for bid at bit.ly/RGZFallBall22. All the proceeds will go to benefit animal care at the zoo and conservation in the wild.
“This is an opportunity to gain more in-depth knowledge about the education, conservation, and second-to-none Species Survival programs that our AZA-accredited zoo promotes,” said Board Chair Al Gough. “We’re excited about our achievements and the new things that are coming soon!”
For the remainder of the evening, guests can enjoy the open bar and live music, with views of our beautiful waterfowl pond. To end the evening on an especially sweet note, there will be a cornucopia of seasonal fall desserts – infused with the honey from our beehive’s first harvest here at the zoo.
“Our first conservation ball last year was such a success, and we’re inviting the community to join us again for a beautiful fall evening among friends – both human and creature,” says Friends Executive Director Carrie Large. “This unique celebration is a seasonal must as we celebrate the hard work of the zoo team and the success we have achieved on behalf of animal well-being and conservation."
Guests should dress casually and come ready to eat! Guests may purchase individual, couple or group table tickets by visiting rosamondgiffordzoo.org or by calling (315) 435-8511 x8526.
