On February 12 to 14, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo opened its gates after dark for its Wild at Heart, Valentine's Day-inspired event. Open to those 21 and older only, the three-hour dinner tour highlighted the mating rituals and sometimes-unrequited love of the zoo's lovable residents.
"The fund-raiser offers guests an enjoyably unique way to share this romantic day while supporting education and conservation programs at the zoo," said Melinda Mendolusky, ZooVentures manager and tour guide for the event.
The four-course progressive dinner, prepared by the zoo's executive chef Chad Lusk, took guests throughout the park from appetizers in the Congo habitat to dessert near the African savannah habitat complete with elephants and giraffes.
Attendees then gathered together to learn about the late night dating rituals of the animals including the romantic tendencies of penguins, simple courtship of owls, and behaviors of the overly adventurous lions.
"Some animals are monogamous, some are not," said Rachel Nelson, director of public relations of the zoo. "Some breed with as many mates as possible, while others have very sweet love stories…those that will make you blush and others that will make you laugh."
The evening concluded with a champagne toast under the stars and a ride on the park's air tram, aptly named the "smooching sky ride" for the event.
