by hilary johnson
Going to the Zoo no longer has to be only for families and children. The Wild Things, a group of young professionals in Jacksonville, is dedicating time and energy to change all that.
The Wild Things came together in hopes of increasing interest and awareness of Jacksonville’s Zoo and Gardens as a desirable destination for young professionals. It will work to raise funds for the Zoo while advocating its educational and cultural benefits.
“As young professionals seeking ways to plug into the community, we felt the Zoo was a great organization for families, but most of our peers were unaware just how much it has evolved since their last visit - which was in grade school for many,” says Barrett Cook, an original member of The Wild Things. “It’s no longer simply a collection of animals in cages, but rather an environment in which animal encounters, educational opportunities and cultural discoveries all contribute to a very rewarding experience.”
Still a relatively new, underdeveloped organization, The Wild Things is just beginning the process of promoting the Jacksonville Zoo. As of now, there are no official members of the group, just a collective of people who have come together in a common interest.
So far the group has only hosted two events, both Brews at the Zoo. The initial event was held in March of 2007 to determine the amount of support and interest in The Wild Things, and the turnout was remarkable, attended by nearly 160 people. From there, The Wild Things hosted a second Brew at the Zoo fundraiser that was attended by over 300 people, and interest in this group continues to grow.
Due to the amount of participation and encouragement this group has received, The Wild Things is currently in the process of putting together a Board of Directors. That meeting is scheduled for mid-October and will also be a time for the group to further define the exact role Wild Things wishes to play in the Jacksonville community.
One thing Wild Things wishes to enhance within Jacksonville’s community is awareness of what is happening with the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.
“A stunning new garden venue has just opened, the Gardens at Trout River Plaza, with scenic views of the Trout River,” says Cook. “This garden is an entryway to further gardens’ expansion and further animal exhibits.”
The Zoo is also close to breaking ground on a one-and-a-half acre Asian Gardens, which will go hand in hand with the upcoming Asian animal exhibit. A Komodo Dragon Exhibit is set to open in 2009 and will be the first Asian animal on display.
For October, the seven night Spooktacular will offer Halloween themed activities for Zoo guests in the evenings. Next March will feature a long-term temporary display called “Sting Ray Bay” and on April 12th the ExZOOberation will host a live animal auction.
The Wild Things hope to promote the many benefits the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens can offer people of all ages, especially young adults who possibly otherwise would not consider the Zoo an applicable part of Jacksonville’s culture. The group offers an opportunity for social networking, leadership skills development, and volunteer opportunities. Wild Things members will also have first hand access to the significant efforts of the Zoo’s breeding and conservation programs. But young adults can also benefit from The Wild Things by attending and participating in events hosted by the group, as well.
The Zoo offers something for everyone from a cultural and educational standpoint. No one is too young or too old to appreciate what Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has to offer. The Wild Things is working hard to make that known, and to offer an outlet for involvement within the community of Jacksonville’s young professionals.
For more information on how to become involved in The Wild Things, contact Lynette Horwath at (904) 757-4463 Ext. 490 or horwathl@jacksonvillezoo.org.
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