AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

10 October 2006

Support “Cocktails for Cats” - a tiger of a fundraiser!

Auckland Zoo is holding a “Cocktails for Cats” evening to raise money for Sumatran tigers in the wild.

The exclusive limited entry evening at Ivy Bar in Kingsland on Saturday, 4 November from 7pm will fully embrace the feline theme. Guests will be able to enjoy special “cat” cocktails, tiger beer, a performance by cool cat comedian Andrew Clay, traditional live music, and the chance to bid for some exciting auction items. Hosts body painted as cats will greet “Cocktails for Cats” supporters!

There are currently less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, and it is predicted that if the current destruction of habitat and illegal poaching continues, this critically endangered animal will be extinct by 2020.

“Cocktails for Cats” aims to shed light on Sumatran tigers and the plight they face in the wild, while raising funds for the Kerenci Seblat Tiger Protection Programme in Sumatra – a project Auckland Zoo supports through its Conservation Fund.

“The success of the Kerenci Seblat Project is critical to the future of Sumatran tigers, and I would urge anyone who loves cats, especially tigers, to support this event,” says Auckland Zoo team leader Amy Dixon – the driving force behind “Cocktails for Cats”.

All profits from the evening will go towards the Kerenci Seblat Project. Funds are directed to “rapid-response” teams that implement conservation law, and reduce tiger poaching and trafficking.

Auckland Zoo will soon welcome female Sumatran tiger Molek, who is being relocated from Hamilton Zoo. In the coming year Molek will be introduced to male Oz, who arrived recently from Israel. The pair are part of an international captive breeding programme for the Sumatran tiger, and hopes are that they will successfully breed, adding to the insurance population for this species. This is the first time in Auckland Zoo’s history, that it will attempt to breed Sumatran tigers.

Tickets for “Cocktails for Cats” cost $25 per person (this includes a glass of bubbles on arrival, nibbles and discounted cat themed cocktails). Tickets are strictly limited and need to be pre-purchased from Auckland Zoo by phoning (09) 360 3805. To attend this event you must be 18 years or over. If you would like to support the Kerenci Seblat Tiger Protection Programme but cannot attend Cocktails for Cats you can visit www.savethetiger.org.nz to donate online.

ENDS

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