ZSL to hold 180th anniversary gala for gorillas
Thursday 14 September 2006
An exclusive black tie gala to raise funds for gorilla conservation is being held by the Zoological Society of London to celebrate the society’s 180th anniversary.
More than 200 guests including HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, will attend the African-themed event on Thursday September 21st 2006, which also aims to raise awareness of the plight gorillas in the wild. It comes six months before the opening of London Zoo’s £5.3m Gorilla Kingdom exhibit – the most ambitious project undertaken at the zoo for 40 years.
The Zoological Society of London celebrates 180 years since it was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1826 as a learned zoological and scientific society. London Zoo opened two years later as the world’s first scientific zoo before opening to the public in 1847.
Hosted by TV vet Steve Leonard (star of nine BBC veterinary series including Vets in Practice) the rainforest-themed gala dinner will be followed by an auction allowing guests to bid for priceless experiences including behind-the-scenes zoo tours and the chance to name a zoo baby.
Guests arriving for the gala will first go Into Africa for a unique champagne reception that will include the chance to have close encounters with some of our animals.
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Notes to editors
Photographers are welcome to attend the champagne reception at 6.30pm to photograph guests getting up close and personal with giraffes and okapi. HRH Prince Edward will not be present at the drinks reception.
Photographers should contact press officer Emma Kenly on 020 749 6280 or email emma.kenly@zsl.org if they wish to attend.
It is the first time in many years that London Zoo has opened its gates for an exclusive black-tie evening.
Gorilla Kingdom – opening soon
London Zoo’s most ambitious project ever, Gorilla Kingdom, will open Easter 2007, bringing the forests of Central Africa to the urban jungle.
The £5.3million 6,000m2 development will provide an awesome natural habitat for our gorillas and give visitors the chance to get closer to these incredible animals.
For more information about Gorilla Kingdom contact Emma Kenly on 020 7449 6280
ZSL
Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity: our key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. ZSL runs London Zoo and Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, carries out scientific research in the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation in other countries worldwide. For further information please visit www.zsl.org
Press Contact
Emma Kenly
0207 449 6280
Emma Kenly
