Naples Zoo holds gala to raise money for repairs, new facilities

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Taking a walk on the wild side. Animals were on the prowl at the Naples Zoo Gala on Thursday night.

WINK News and Gulfshore Life sponsor the event, and anchors Corey Lazar and Lindsey Sablan were at the zoo for the gala.

The theme was moonlight in Malaysia and is a direct nod to EKo the tiger who died last year after being shot by law enforcement after a man was bit while sticking his hand in the tiger’s cage.

One of the things the zoo is doing to generate money is allowing somebody to name the new Malaysian tiger, temporarily named One.

Every sponsor also got to decorate their own Malaysian-inspired table.

The organizers of the event considered postponing it because they know our community has been through a tough time, but they also know the zoo and the community need to rebuild and move forward together.

The gala didn’t come without its challenges. The Naples Zoo actually suffered $300,000 in damage from Hurricane Ian. They were closed for 17 days and the magnitude that went into protecting the animals was incredible.

Ninety-five crate-trained animals had to be put in their crates safely and stowed away for the hurricane. The monkeys that we all love on the island had to be brought in. They had some erosion on the island, and they suffered from storm surge in the zoo.

The employees, right after the hurricane, jumped into action to get the gardens back in shape.

Part of the money raised will go to help them recoup their losses from the hurricane, but it’s also going to help pay for a $14 million new welcome center and an education center.

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