Signal Mountain resident Garrison Clower has enjoyed visiting the Chattanooga Zoo since moving to the area as a third-grader, but it wasn't until recently that he came to admire the way the zoo operates. The Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts senior chose the ethicality of operating zoos as the topic of his senior project, and his research helped him gain a new appreciation for the zoo and how it's run.
He said he was impressed by the stringent guidelines the zoo must meet for its accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, involving the animals' living environments, social groupings, health and nutrition. The zoo also provides enrichment programs for all the animals, which keeps them "engaged and not stuck in a box," said Clower.
Although it's not a requirement for his project, Clower is showing his support for the zoo by hosting A Wild Night at the Walden, a community fundraiser benefiting the Chattanooga Zoo. The event is being held at The Walden Club Saturday, April 6 from 7-10 p.m.
"The Chattanooga Zoo has been serving our area since 1937 and is involved in a lot of area activities," he said, as to why he thinks people should support the zoo through the event. "It also donates greatly to conservation efforts."
The event features encounters with zoo animals, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. A silent auction will be held from 7-9 p.m. Items up for grabs include products and services from local businesses, a yearlong zoo membership, and a six-month Walden Club membership valued between $1,400-$1,600, said Clower.
All proceeds will go toward the zoo's new giraffe exhibit - part of the zoo's largest expansion in its 80-year history - which is expected to open by the end of the year. Clower said he's raised $3,200 for the exhibit already, and hopes to raise another $7,000 through the event.
Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $20 for students and teachers, and can be purchased online at gczoofundraiser.ticketleap.com/wildnightatthewalden.
The Walden Club is at 633 Chestnut St., Suite 2110. For more information, email Clower at gczoofundraiser@gmail.com.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.