Naples Zoo gala raising money for improvements, conservation

The Naples Zoo gala took place Thursday night with animals, dancers and decorations, all for a good cause. The gala supports the zoo’s work with endangered species.

The event, sponsored by WINK News, raises money that will be used to improve your experience at the zoo and the animals’ quality of life.

Improvements that help keep the zoo open as a place to make memories. For Jennifer McCurry, the co-chair on the Naples Zoo board, the memories are time with her father.

“My dad always loved it. My dad passed, but my dad loved the zoo and we’ve been coming here a long time.”

That time allowed McCurry’s passion for animals to grow. She visits the zoo every week with her own kids, hoping to grow their love for the. “I hope that it becomes generational and that eventually that my kids get involved.”

The Naples Zoo gala is taking one big step to make that possible with the goal of raising $25 million.

With that money, the zoo will get a new entrance, a new education center, new exhibits, and much more.

The President and CEO of the Naples Zoo, Jack Mulvena, said, “it’s going to transform the zoo and we’re about one million away so we’re hoping the zoo gala will get us a little closer.

Mulvena has his eyes looking to the future of conservation and education. “The animals are central to us and mean the world to us,” he said.

Danny Glass is part of that vision. He and his wife fully funded the on-site animal hospital. Glass said, “how could you not love animals?”

It’s that love that’s bringing a better and brighter future to the zoo for generations to come.

“You’re just happy when you come here,” said McCurry.

If you were unable to attend the gala and would still like to donate to the zoo you can donate by visiting www.napleszoo.org or by clicking here.