A Party To Celebrate The 40 Years Since Jungle Larry Founded ... - Zoo and Aquarium Visitor News
A Party To Celebrate The 40 Years Since Jungle Larry Founded Naples Zoo
By Tim L. Tetzlaff
Naples, FL - On February 20, Naples Zoo celebrates 40 wild years at ZOObilee 2009 presented by Fifth Third Bank. Guests will discover a delightful evening with delicious food and beverages, live entertainment, dancing in the starlight beneath the canopy of historic trees, a live auction conducted by Naples Mayor Bill Barnett, and wildlife experiences that could only be offered at Naples Zoo. Jim Fowler, international animal expert from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, will speak as well as receive the inaugural Lawrence and Nancy Jane Tetzlaff Distinguished Conservation Award during the event. Larry Tetzlaff and Jim Fowler first met in the jungles of South America in 1960. Funds raised from this event support the ongoing programs and exhibits in Naples Zoo!
2009 marks a host of anniversaries for this historic site. 90 years ago botanist and ornithologist Dr. Henry Nehrling founded the botanical garden. Many of his original trees still grow and can be identified by historical markers in the garden. After rescuing and expanding Nehrling’s garden, Julius Fleischmann opened it to the public 55 years ago. February 20 from 7 to 11 p.m. ZOObilee 2009 at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens on Goodlette Rd across from Coastland Center mall.