MEDIA RELEASE

3 October 2014

Auckland offered night out in Africa

Aucklanders can go on a safari to meet some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife and enjoy an authentic African dinner by getting along to Africa Night at Auckland Zoo on Sunday 2 November (4.30pm-9.30pm).

The evening is a fundraiser for Auckland Zoo and the Zoological Society of Auckland (ZSA) to support local and overseas conservation projects and provide grants to further conservation work or studies.

Keepers, who volunteer their time, will lead guided safaris where guests will get to see iconic African wildlife, including lion, hippo, rhino, zebra, flamingo, giraffe and cheetah, before enjoying a hosted dinner, an auction and a talk at the Old Elephant House.

“We really encourage locals to come and support this unique night out. It’s a lot of fun, exceptional value, and directly helps threatened wildlife here and around the world,” says Auckland Zoo carnivore team leader, Lauren Booth, who will give a talk on her time at Cheetah Outreach in South Africa.

“The Zoo currently supports African conservation projects for giraffe, rhino and cheetah. Cheetah Outreach is where our two nine-year-old cheetah brothers Anubis and Osiris relocated from in 2006 as part of the cheetah ambassador programme.

“I’ve been privileged to work with our incredible cheetahs since 2006. I’ve also had the opportunity to help out at Cheetah Outreach, assisting with their cub rearing and adult training programmes, and visiting a farm to see the highly successful Anatolian shepherd livestock guard dog programme in action ,” says Lauren.

This Turkish dog is being bred, trained and placed on farms where it protects farmers’ livestock, in turn preventing cheetah (and other threatened carnivore species like leopard and jackal) from being shot and killed by farmers.

Puppy naming competition

“Cheetah Outreach has just bred a new litter of Anatolian puppies, and invited Auckland Zoo to name one. The public can participate in naming this two-week-old male pup by entering the naming competition on our Facebook page, for which there is a behind-the-scenes cheetah experience to be won. And for those who come along to Africa Night, we’ll be sharing the latest photos and updates,” says Lauren.

Africa Night event details

Africa Night – hosted by Auckland Zoo and the Zoological Society of Auckland

Sunday 2 November 2014 (4:30pm-9:30pm)

Cost: $125 per person (restricted to 18 years+). Includes: guided safari, one complimentary drink, dinner, auction, and guest speaker. A cash bar will operate.

Bookings essential: phone Auckland Zoo Info Centre on 09 360 3805. www.aucklandzoo.co.nz and www.zoologicalsociety.co.nz

ENDS

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