The Crowd: No monkeying around at zoo fundraiser
A “new age” controversy exists over the purpose and legitimacy of housing animals for the viewing pleasure of humans.
The debate has had a major impact on such venues as San Diego’s Sea World. Zoo facilities nationwide strive to present their captives in the most humane conditions, many spending millions to create habitats conforming to the needs of its creatures.
New age ideals aside, humans love interacting with their fellow inhabitants on the planet. This bond has persisted since time began, with the semi-modern concept of the zoo a treasured component of civilization. Arguably, today animals housed in most American zoos are better off; they live longer and enjoy a more stress-free existence than if they were free to roam in a limited sector of the world.
In the O.C., the Santa Ana Zoo, which opened its exhibits in 1952 in Prentice Park, lives on 64 years later as a shining example of superior animal conservation, preservation and care. The local zoo is a corner of tranquility in a bustling and growing county dominated by bumper-to-bumper traffic and constant construction and expansion. Amidst it all it is the home to 50 species of monkeys, an assortment of birds, an ocelot, sloth, a wise old owl and more.
As the grandpoppa of a 2-year-old, I can attest to the overwhelming importance of this facility. When the child is asked what she would like to do on any given day, the answer comes in demonstrative, yet still somewhat garbled English. “Go to zooo,” she replies with sheer glee, smiling from ear to ear.
So, off she goes with mom, sometimes three or more times a week, never bored, each visit special. Each visit provides some surprise. Each visit is a learning experience connecting human and animal co-existence.
Recently, the Santa Ann Zoo held its annual Zoofari fundraiser. The 24th annual happening brought together more than 300 donors, many with children and grandchildren experiencing the same wonder claimed by my own family.
Organizers built the evening in Prentice Park around the theme Year of the Monkey — certainly appropriate on multiple levels. Cathi Decker, executive director, and Kent Yamaguchi, zoo director, welcomed VIP guests David Exline, president of the zoo board, and fellow directors Lon Babcock, Cody Boebel and Kristeen Stolo.
In the crowd were loyal zoo donors Tom and Debbie Newmeyer with their sons, Kurt Newmeyer and Brad Newmeyer, and his new bride, Akai, Del and Carole Stagg, Peggy Baldwin Butler, Edie Israel, Louis and Lon Knappenburger, Tim and Lin McCook, Denice and Brian Mock, and Donna Miller.
Co-hosted by O.C. community leaders Sandra Segerstrom Daniels and Ed Arnold, the crowd arrived at dusk to share cocktails and hors d’oeuvres under the stars as zoo handler/docents introduced a few of the residents up close and personal.
The hands-down favorite had to be the gorgeous owl. A specialty cocktail billed as the Rickshaw Ricky, named in honor of late zoo advocate Richard Bye, was the hit of the night thanks to a little help from donor Tito’s Vodka.
Parties by Panache prepared and served a marvelous “monkey” themed dinner starting with a tangy Asian salad accompanied by, what else, monkey bread. Marinated flank steak and miso glazed salmon followed as the entrée, ending with a trio of desserts labeled Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil, See No Evil.
A massive auction led by auctioneer Glen Fladeboe and his sister Kristine Duininck helped to raise the fundraising tally to $160,000 for the night. Proceeds from the auction will go toward the redo an exhibit housing the tiny finger monkeys.
The entire evening paid tribute to honored guests Karin and Howard Hall, who have worked to preserve and enhance the zoo for a quarter century. The Halls were lauded by supporters Roseanne Bye, Judy Flour-Runels, Maureen Cronin, Kat Edman, Amos Bracero, John Harpeny, Judi Curtin, Michele Levison, Patricia McClendon, Dee Thomas, Jane Olin and Tim Jerkovich, among others.
To get involved and learn more about the Santa Ana Zoo, visit SantaAnaZoo.org or contact the executive director at cdecker@fosaz.org.
--
B.W. COOK is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.
