Metrozoo event promises evening of enchantment

BY BAY PROBY

Imagine yourself immersed in an Asian fantasy under the stars, savoring succulent edibles while surrounded by the bellows, coos and squawks of zoo animals.

Pictured with Jennifer Getz, "Ball of the Wild" event chair, is King George the Cheetah. King George will be one of the featured animals at the Mar. 4 event at Metrozoo.

Area residents and visitors can make the fantasy a reality, by attending "Ball of the Wild," a very special evening of fun and enchantment scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 4, at Miami Metrozoo. The elegant moonlight gala is sponsored by Lucent Technologies and presented by the Zoological Society of Florida.

"Ball of the Wild, the Zoological Society of Florida's annual fundraiser replacing Feast with the Beasts, promises to be an exotic experience in paradise, held amidst the great beasts of Miami Metrozoo," said Jennifer Getz, ball chairperson.

The ball will help celebrate the rebuilding of Metrozoo's world-famous aviary that was lost to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and the new education center with its special exhibits and classrooms.

"We have chosen Ball of the Wild to thank two of our benefactors for all they have contributed to the growth of Metrozoo," Getz said. "We will be honoring George E. Batchelor, president of Aero Space Finance Ltd., and R. Kirk Landon, retired chairman of American Bankers Insurance.

"Mr. Batchelor made it possible for zoo visitors to enjoy the Falcon Batchelor Komodo Dragon Encounter; King George, the zoo's new king cheetah, and the 100-inch 'Batchelor Vision' video screen that will be featured in the new education center. Mr. Landon is helping to make it possible for us to rebuild the aviary."

Gene's Catering will provide cuisine for the black-tie dinner and there will be special musical entertainment. Ball of the Wild will take place from 7:30 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are $500 per person or $5,000 for a table of 10.

For more information about Ball of the Wild or to make reservations, call the Zoological Society of Florida at 305-255-5551 or visit its Web site at < www.zsf.org >.