Full disclosure: Capron Park Zoo is the first zoo I ever visited as a kid. So of course I was giddy with delight when I found out that Joe and I would be the official photographers for their Passport to Rio fund-raiser. I can also tell you, with no shame, that Capron Park Zoo is by far my favorite zoo. You're sure to agree that I have visited some truly world-class zoos when I tell you that I have been to Roger Williams Park & Zoo, The Cincinnati Zoo, The National Zoo (Washington, DC), Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa), The Metro Richmond Zoo (Virginia), and even The London Zoo. The one thing all zoos have in common is they need money stay open. Capron Park Zoo hosted their annual fund-raising gala this past weekend with the theme of Passport to Rio. This event raised over $15,000 for the zoo, and having attended this incredibly fun and well run event, that amount comes as no surprise to me.
Genuine Brazilian music filled the air throughout the entire night, provided by Samba Viva! along with their authentic Samba dancers who engaged the crowd and had every person, old, young and in between, on their feet.
Patrons of the zoo had full access to viewing all the animals. The animals really do "come alive" at night. If you didn't get to see the rare albino alligator currently on loan, you may have missed out, as she is going home to Florida on September 25. Her name is Betty White, and she really is a looker!
The lionesses were enjoying the cool beat of the Brazilian music, not dancing to it, but obviously enjoying it.
The lionesses weren't dancing to the beat, but the zoo supporters sure were!
The many volunteers did such an amazing job transforming The Capron Park Zoo into a night in Rio.
Guests were treated to authentic Brazilian cuisine, served up by Papgallo as well as other foods and desserts provided by Scorpios and Uno.
If you missed out on all the fun last weekend, it's never to late to help this wonderful zoo stay in business. You might ask, what's the best way I can help? Visit the zoo! Even better, buy a Capron Park Zoo membership. This could very well be the most economical yet personally rewarding way to support The Capron Park Zoo. Membership includes reciprocity to over 125 other zoos and museums, including the Boston Museum of Science.
Visit The Capron Park Zoo's Facebook page for up to date information on events and happenings, and maybe we'll see YOU at next year's Passport fundraising Gala.
To view all the photos taken by Photo & Video by Joe Goldsberry at Passport to Rio, click here.
