Feast with the Beasts
It was a wild night under the stars Friday at the Zoo as hundreds mingled and sampled food from 29 area restaurants.

Kathy Tanner with Pete Southerland.

At least 650 people attended the "Feast with the Beasts" to help in the Zoo of Northwest Florida's efforts to raise $3 million to keep the attraction financially stable.

Over $50,000 was raised toward that goal in this one fundraiser alone, and many more events are planned through the end of the year.

The event featured train rides through the animal park, plus dancing to the music of the Reunion band.

"It was just wonderful," Natalie Akin, zoo director of visitor services, said.

ABOVE: Tommy O'Brien, Brian Tucker and Chris and Kathrine Benites enjoy the evening. LEFT: Cynthia, Allen And Scott Booker, Betty Archer Allen, Bev and Tom Vaughn. LEFT: Brian Hyatt and Jason Burr of Moe's Southwest Grill. ABOVE: Peter and Megan Bithos of Angus. Enjoying the fundraiser are Tom and Jennie Smith, Ann and Herb Woll and Betty Archer Allen. Photos by Lisa Newell/Gulf Breeze News Zoo Docent Jerry Ellis holds a Dumeril Ground Boa as Zoo Board Chairman Chuck Emling and his wife Penny enter the event.