Moorpark College’s Teaching Zoo is holding its annual Rendezvous at the Zoo for those 21 years and older. There will be a silent auction, food, beer, wine, and animal interactions. This is a huge fundraiser set for Thursday, October 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission charge is $55 per person.
The auction will take place under tents in the parking lot as well as the terrace adjacent to the zoo. Attendees can sip wine and eat hors d’oeuvres while making a selection on what items to bid on.
Also, there will be a featured guest, honoree Martine Colette, founder and director of The Wildlife Waystation in the Angeles National Forest. Ms. Colette purchased 160 acres and incorporated it in 1976 for the animals. The zoo will present her with the Platinum Paw Award.
“Rendezvous at the Zoo is sponsored by Malibu Family Wines,” stated Mara Rodriguez, an Instructor Tech at Teaching Zoo. “Guests can expect heavy hors d’oeuvres such as pork sliders and baked macaroni and cheese to enjoy with their beer and wine under the stars.”
Zoo activities will be focused outside of the zoo where the animals will be outside of their enclosures. There will be two animal shows: 7:15 and 8:30 p.m. – showing a wide variety of animals.
“We’ll have rentals set up to look like a lounge, there will be a photo booth, some animal interactions with the public, and, of course, the silent auction,” said Rodriguez. “The main focus will be on the students and what they contribute to the event.
“We want the animals to be comfortable around the people, and at the same time give the animals time and attention.”
Proceeds benefit America’s Teaching Zoo’s Master Plan, which will bring larger, more naturalistic habitats for the big cats to call home. It will also help the students learn to work with them in their environment.
