2015 ZOOfari guide

WELCOME Since its inception 16 years ago, Riverbanks ZOOfari has generated a total of more than $400,000 in auction proceeds, helping fulfill Riverbanks Zoo and Garden's mission to foster an appreciation and concern for all living things.

Thanks to the incredible support and loyalty of our members, donors and community, Riverbanks is undergoing its single largest development effort, Destination Riverbanks. While the project is nearing completion, we still need your help to raise the final $4 million to put the finishing touches on one of the most important Zoo expansions in four decades.

To-date the expansion has given the Zoo a larger, more suitable “front door” and wonderful new habitats for grizzly bears and river otters. In a few months, delighted children will have the opportunity to explore tree houses and splash about in the water-play area of an exciting new children's garden in the Botanical Garden. By spring 2016, sea lions will return as they swim and dive in an incredible reproduction of San Francisco's Pier 39. Once complete, Destination Riverbanks will become a place of wonderment for all ages—a place where our kids can get outdoors to connect with nature and a travel destination that continues to attract and engage visitors, strengthen our local economy and enhance our quality of life.

As this promising new future for your Zoo unfolds, we hope you enjoy this evening's epicurean expedition where you will also have the chance to encounter some amazing animals and special presentations along the way. As always, the highlight of the night will be the silent and live auctions offering rare and unusual items you just can't find anywhere else, including a South Pacific-themed dinner alongside koalas, a private zip line tour with dinner overlooking the Saluda River, an exclusive farm to table dinner at Grizzly Ridge, and much more!

So, take a stroll, savor your surroundings… sample the cuisine and sip a cool cocktail… get an inside look at the giraffes' indoor residence or get up close to a baby Galapagos tortoise.

And don't forget to bid on some of those “wild” items on the auction block to show support for Destination Riverbanks.

Satch Krantz President and CEO

SPECIAL EVENTS 7:30 Gorilla food toss

at Gorilla Base Camp

8:00 Otter Enrichment at Otter Run

8:15 Grizzly Bear Enrichment at Grizzly Ridge

~

Meet the baby Galapagos Tortoises

7- 8:00 in the Aquarium-Reptile Complex ~

Food

Drinks

Live Music

Up-Close Animal Encounters Photo Booth

Restrooms

TONIGHT’S HAPPENINGS Tour the Giraffe Barn Feed the Giraffes Up-Close Animal Encoun Animal Feedings and Pr

ters

esentations Step Up to the Challenge on the Sky-High Safari Ride the Carousel

PALMETTO PL A Z A 8:00 Otter Enrichment at Otter Run

8:15 Grizzly Bear Enrichment at Grizzly Ridge ~

Meet the baby Galapagos Tortoises 7- 8:00 in the Aquarium-Reptile Complex ~

CAROLINA COAST Low Country Boil

-Vegetarian option available-

SOIREE AT THE MANOR Braised Beef Short Ribs

with a Pan Sauce, Low Country

Succotash and Baby Kale

FARMER'S FEAST Smoked Rubbed Chicken

lards and Lacy Cornbread

with Hoppin' John, Braised Col

A STATIONS

AVAILABLE AT ALL 3 PLAZ

Vegetarian Hash

Toasted with Chipotle Cornbread and

Shallot Aioli

TUSKERS RESTAURANT Fried Oysters with Charred Pepper Coulis

Blackened Swordfish

with a Charred Corn Relish and

Chèvre

7:30 Gorilla Food Toss in Gorilla Base Camp

CAROLINA CLASSICS Shrimp and Grits

with Tasso Ham Gravy with Pep

pers and Spanish Onions

Traditional Southern Mac an

d Cheese

.

AFRICAN G A T E WAY 7-8:30 Feed the Giraffes at the Giraffe Deck

7-8:30 Step Up to the Challenge on the Sky-High Safari Ropes Course ~ low-heeled, closed toe shoes required ~

7-9:00 Tour the Giraffe Barn at the Giraffe Barn

CAROUSEL PL A Z A 7-8:30 Take a Spin on the Endangered Species Carousel

7-9:00 Animal Encounters in front of the Discovey Center

7-10:00 Caricature Artist in the Carousel Plaza

CAROLINA CLASSICS Shrimp and Grits

with Tasso Ham Gravy with Pep

pers and Spanish Onions

Traditional Southern Mac an

d Cheese

.

Your bid can help put the finishing touches on Destination Riverbanks! .

$100 could provide enrichment items for the Zoo's otters .

$250 may help purchase educational graphics for the children's garden .

$500 or more may help obtain special veterinary equipment for sea lions .

$1,000 could feed the bears for 3 months

SAFARI CAMP Live Auction Bidding begins at 9 Tonight’s proceeds support ongoing conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

SILENT AUCTION Silent Auction bidding closes 10 minutes after the Live Auction THE SMOKEHOUSE d Pork Barbeque Pulle, Vine gar Cole Slaw

with a Carolina Mustard Barbeque and a Sweet Potato Biscuit

Red Velvet Pudding Stick

with Roasted Pecans and a Meringue

t Potato Pie Miniature Sweepped Cream with Vanilla Whi

Classic Southern Peach Cobbler Coffee Bar .

Silent Auction: Powered by Mobile Bidding This year, bidding will be powered by text messaging, which is an innovative and more efficient way of bidding on items in the silent auction. If you have not already registered your phone with Qtego, one of the premier electronic bidding companies, you can locate a registration table in Safari Camp.

To Bid Via Mobile Phone Reply to any Qtego text message with the three digit item number and the whole dollar amount you wish to bid.

For example, to bid $100 on item number 123, reply to any Qtego text with 123 100 and send.

You'll receive a text confirming your bid.

You also will receive a text if someone outbids you.

To Check the Current Bid on an Item Reply to any Qtego text with the three digit item number.

For example, to check the current bid on item 123, reply to any Qtego text with 123.

To Set Up Automated Bidding (Setting up a Maximum Bid) Enter the item number, your maximum bid amount, and the letter M to indicate the maximum you are willing to bid.

The system will automatically bid for you until your max is met!

For example, to enter a maximum bid of $500 for item number 123, you would reply to any Qtego text with 123 500M.

To Check the Bidding Status on ALL the Items You're Interested In Reply to any Qtego text with the word STATUS and send.

You'll receive a text listing all the items on which you are the current high bidder.

No Smart phone? No Problem!

Use One of Our Bidding Assistants in ORANGE Find one of the many Bidding Assistants wearing ORANGE shirts. Give the Assistants your bidder number and confirm your name on the screen is correct.

Provide the Assistant with the number/name of the item you wish to bid on and how much you'd like to bid.

If you're outbid, locate a Bidding Assistant to increase your bid.

ITEM 1

Sea Lion Soiree Be one of the first to celebrate the new Sea Lion habitat!

You and 7 guests will enjoy a spectacular evening with Riverbanks’ newest residents. One of our keepers will guide you behind the scenes where you’ll find out what it takes to care for and train these magnificent marine mammals! Then you and your guests will enjoy a coastal dinner and libations while observing firsthand how the Sea Lions dive and swim underwater.

ITEM 2

A Koala by Any Other Name Riverbanks is pleased to introduce one of our newest arrivals – an adorable koala joey!

The only problem is...the little fella/lady doesn't have a name. Now you can have this exclusive opportunity to name a koala at the Zoo. You and four guests will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour with our koala family and meet your namesake up close. The story behind your name choice will be featured in an upcoming issue of Riverbanks magazine.

ITEM 3

Mingle & Jingle What better way to kick off the holidays than by hosting a “sweet� reception for 20 at Riverbanks' 28th Annual Lights Before Christmas! Perfect for your next holiday work party or family reunion, you and your guests will learn our secret to making nightly Carolina snow. You and your guests will enjoy a private meet and greet photo op with the Jolly Old Man himself!

This sweet treat includes venue rental, admission, unlimited marshmallow roasting, carousel rides and other evening attractions.

Menu consists of desserts, coffee and cocoa; menu modifications to be covered by winning bidder. Reception venue and dates subject to availability. Please book 30 days in advance.

ITEM 4

Rise and Shine with the Gorillas If breakfast is busy in your kitchen, just imagine what it's like in Gorilla Base Camp, where Riverbanks' professional zookeepers get five western lowland gorillas ready to face the day. You and your 5 guests will enjoy breakfast in Gorilla Base Camp and then see what goes into the care and feeding of these great apes including how zookeepers use operant conditioning training to encourage these giants to participate in their own health care, stay curious, and explore their surroundings.

Plus, take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art!

ITEM 5

Grand African Safari Explore Africa—Riverbanks-style!

Get up-close to the giraffes in their towering residence, explore the mammoth interior of the elephant barn and catch a glimpse of the gorillas in their off-exhibit haven. Afterwards, indulge in an African-themed dinner for eight overlooking elephants and meerkats in the romantically lit Ndoki Plaza. A keeper will be your special guest for an exclusive Q&A opportunity.

ITEM 6

Farm to Table at Grizzly Ridge You and 5 guests will enjoy an all access behind-the-scenes pass to see firsthand what it takes to care for Butch and Sundance, Riverbanks’ beloved grizzly bears. Help prepare a special diet to meet all of our popular bear brothers’ nutritional needs. Then enjoy a rustic farm to table meal that will be served to you and your guests “omnivorous style” as you dine with nose-to-nose views of the grizzly brothers at the brand new Grizzly Ridge exhibit.

ITEM 7

Brew at the Zoo Just for You! Grab your favorite pint glass and 11 of your friends and join us for a progressive beer tasting at Riverbanks!

You'll begin with a tasting near the front entrance and then on to the flamingo exhibit where you will learn what it takes to care for our most colorful friends. Travel to Elephant Overlook for a few new brews and get a look at Riverbanks' 4 largest friends. From there you will stroll over for a behind-the-scenes tour with Riverbanks' resident long-necks. Wind down the evening with another selection of brews and BBQ on deck overlooking the alligator and his habitat!

ITEM 8

Zip and Sip on the Saluda Looking for a wild adventure right in your own backyard?

You and 7 guests will enjoy a private experience on Riverbanks' all-new zip line canopy tour.

Afterwards, relax and reflect on the amazing river zip as you are treated to a plated dinner and drinks on the iconic bridge overlooking the Saluda River.

Must take place between April-September and be booked 30 days in advance. All participants must weigh between 70 and 250 pounds and closed-toe shoes are required.

ITEM 9

Roar & Snore Safari Have you ever wondered what happens at the Zoo when the last guest leaves?

Well, pack up your “trunk” for a sleep over adventure at the park. Your guest of honor and up to 19 friends (children or adults) will enjoy a wild evening full of surprises. Your adventure begins with a special guided after-hours look at the wildlife, then dinner, games, crafts and more. In the morning wake up to the roar of the lion and the hoot of the siamangs while enjoying a continental breakfast and a special animal encounter.

Participants much be at least 5 years old.

ITEM 10

Zoo Model for a Day Your child-or grandchild - can become a Riverbanks celebrity embarking on an “A List” tour through the Zoo. Be sure to be on the lookout because no celebrity spotting would be complete without the paparazzi!

A professional photographer will be on hand to capture the moments with your entire family- especially your little celebrity- as you feed the giraffes, ride the carousel, meet a lorikeet, explore the garden and enjoy everything that Riverbanks Zoo has to offer. The VIP event will be featured in a two-page photo spread in an upcoming issue of Riverbanks magazine. Take all of these photos home for you and your family to enjoy for many years to come.

Recommended for children ages 6 and up.

ITEM 11

An Evening with Giants Ever want to meet a giant?

Now is your chance!

You and 5 guests will get up close with Riverbanks’ oldest Zoo residents, our giant Galapagos tortoises.

These gentle giants love to spend their days wallowing in mud and grazing on grass, but also will enjoy a relaxing scratch from you and your guests!

Afterwards, take a guided behind-the scenes tour of the newly renovated Aquarium Reptile Complex. Sit down and relax in front of our captivating Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Tank for a private dive presentation and fish feeding, while enjoying a delectable dinner for 6.

ITEM 12

Some Enchanted Evening Travel to the South Pacific without having to pack a bag! You and 5 guests will get up close to the world's largest living lizards, Komodo dragons.

Learn what it takes to feed and care for these amazing animals and then try your hand at feeding one yourself! Then travel to the Land Down Under, Koala Knockabout, to dine with the adored marsupials. Enjoy specially prepared Southern Pacific cuisine complete with Australian wines.

After dinner, go behind the scenes with a koala where we can capture a “marsupial mugshot” of you and your mates.

Koalas cannot be held by guests; only the keeper will handle the animals.

Thank You, Guests Your participation in this event supports ongoing conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Tonight’s Sponsors