Zoofari '09 deemed a success

Supporters and volunteers of the Gladys Porter Zoo were thrilled after what they called a successful Zoofari ’09, a Fiesta Under the Sea.

Zoofari is the zoo’s main fund-raising event, held each year to acquire funds for a specific display. Zoo supporters arrived at the Brownsville Special Events center, where they were greeted by underwater ambiance and even marine-themed margaritas. From the ceiling hung sea nets and marine life ornaments including various fish, seashells and octopi.

A book signing table by local historian Carl S. Chilton also greeted visitors. Chilton presented his new book, History of the Gladys Porter Zoo.

The main attraction was a blackboard auction that featured more than 700 items ranging from garden items and toys to spa treats, weekend getaways and even a pair of tickets to the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, said Zoofari chair Dabney Helms.

The total amount raised by the event will take a few days to count, but the sheer turnout spoke volumes about the community support the zoo enjoys, Helms said.

The Friday event drew more than 250 supporters who participated in a live auction, while on Saturday night, more that 500 zoo lovers showed up for the blackboard auction, zoo spokesman Charlie Abrego said.

This year, the zoo began the auctions early with its online auction, which gave supporters the chance to bid on items of their choice before the blackboard auction, Abrego said.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be added to what was raised last year, with the total destined for construction of the Russell Aquatic Ecology Center, which will exhibit local wildlife. The new center will include a mangrove exhibit, Laguna Cadre nursery and a stingray exhibit where children will be able to touch and feel stingrays.