Animal expert Jack Hanna will be the guest tonight at the Chattanooga Zoo's largest annual fundraiser, the Banana Ball.
The event celebrates 25 years of capital improvements at Chattanooga Zoo. With the help of the nonprofit advocacy group Friends of the Zoo, the facility has completely transformed over the past two and a half decades, with more than $10 million raised, according to zoo officials. Major developments have included a jaguar and spider monkey exhibit, opening of the Gombe Forest and Himalayan Passage, and a $4.5 million front entrance and expansion.
IF YOU GO* What: Banana Ball, featuring Jack Hanna.* When: 7-11 p.m. today.* Where: Chattanooga Zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.* Admission: $100; VIP $150.* Phone: 697-1339.* Website: www.chattzoo.org.
Board member Susan Perruso said Hanna is making a return visit because he believes in what the zoo means for the animals and for the community. Last year he addressed a crowd of more than 400 people.
"He likes our zoo and loves what we've been able to accomplish," Perruso said. "He realizes the way the zoo has progressed, and he knows that we're trying to make it the best little zoo in America."
Money raised will help fund the zoo's efforts to bring African penguins and komodo dragons to Chattanooga.
Funding is also needed to help the zoo in its ongoing efforts to care for the area's injured wildlife, Perruso said.
"The zoo is the only one in the area that offers rehabilitation of the injured or sick wildlife," she said. "We rely on donations to help support the rehab unit. Last year, we treated more than 700 injured or sick animals. I love dogs and cats, but injured ducks, geese, turtles, snakes and birds suffer too. They need someone to help them along."
The Banana Ball will include cocktails, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. The zoo will be open for exhibit viewing after the live auction ends at 9:30 p.m.