Zoological Society of Florida Hosts Two Wild Evenings!

The 2nd annual Beastkeeper VIP Party on Feb. 4 is a prelude to Feast With The Beasts on March 4, the legendary dining event that combines tastes from more than 30 of South Florida's finest restaurants, full open bars, wild animal encounters and live entertainment at Zoo Miami.

The Zoological Society of Florida and the Host Committee are hosting two wild evenings to celebrate wildlife and tantalize your palates with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida's most renowned fine food establishments. The second annual Beastkeeper VIP Party will take place on February 4, 2011 and the main event Feast with the Beasts (FWTB) will happen on March 4, 2011. Proudly presented by U.S. Trust, both events will help support the Zoological Society of Florida's wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami.

Taking place at the private residence of Event Co-Chair Irene Korge and Chris Korge on February 4th from 7 PM – 11 PM, the Beastkeeper VIP Party will be vibrant as guests are invited to wear safari chic attire, with a touch of red, to celebrate the upcoming Valentine's Day. Aside from open bars, cool jazz tunes, and complimentary valet parking, revelers will also enjoy exotic animal encounters from Zoo Miami. Exquisite fare will be served from fine restaurants including: Caffe Abbracci, Junior's Catering, La Bottega, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Smith and Wollensky, Truluck's, and Zucchero Ristorante-Bistro. 2 Girls and a Cupcake, Hot Cookies and The Office Cake will be satiating sweet cravings with delectable desserts. An extravagant silent auction will include items like signed Guy Harvey artwork, jewelry from Mary Louise designs, acupuncture treatment from Coral Gables Acupuncture, a Napa Valley wine tasting tour and much more. Admission to the Beastkeeper VIP Party also includes entry to FWTB at 8 PM with a VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 PM on March 4th.

The main event, Feast with the Beasts, returns to Zoo Miami on March 4th from 8 PM to midnight. In its 18th year, one of the best events in town will feature tastes from 30 of South Florida's finest restaurants & caterers, 8 open bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment and complimentary valet parking. To date some of the FWTB participating restaurants and dessert providers include Crepe Maker, Dave and Busters, Fit2Go, Gatsby's Kendall, Gekkeikan Sake/Sidney Frank Importing Company, Kitchen 305, Mango Café, Pardos Peruvian Cuisine, and Sir Pizza.

Even after all of the wining and dining on March 4, every guest is invited to Ron Magill's Spectacular Dance After Party from 10 PM to midnight at Dr. Wilde's World plaza. Live entertainers and the hottest DJ in town playing the latest tunes will make the party unforgettable.

Limited Beastkeeper VIP Party Passport tickets are available for $500 each. These passport tickets include admission to the VIP Party on February 4th as well as to FWTB and the VIP Cocktail Reception on March 4th. Admission tickets to FWTB, limited to the first 1,000 guests, are available for $175. Those planning on attending should make advanced reservations. Sponsorship packages are also available. Visit www.fwtb.org or call (305) 255-5551 to purchase tickets or for more information.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 street; Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95/adult, plus tax and $11.95/child (3-12) plus tax. Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami's hours are 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; ticket booths close at 4pm.