Michele and Howard Kessler
Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
Peter, an African Cape porcupine, kicked off a gathering of 350 guests for an unforgettable Tropical Safari evening at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. The celebration raised $2.8 million for conservation programs and animal care.
The gala was co-chaired by Michele Kessler and Jonathan Clay, the chair and vice chair, respectively, of the zoo’s board of directors. They welcomed supporters to the zoo’s lush grounds for a night dedicated to protecting wildlife and the natural world.
“At the heart of our zoo’s mission is a powerful belief: Each of us plays a role in saving wildlife in wild places,” Kessler says. “We are proud to protect what is rare and irreplaceable.”
Whitney and Jonathan Clay
Photo by Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
This year’s event emphasized the zoo’s commitment to big cat conservation, underscoring how these apex predators keep ecosystems thriving. Guests also heard from Margo McKnight, president and CEO of Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, who said that their “generosity helps protect tigers in Malaysia, jaguars in Belize and panthers in the Everglades.”
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed encounters with a menagerie of animal ambassadors, from Fern the sloth to a flock of Chilean flamingos that surprised guests on the dance floor. A spirited live auction led by Thomas C. Quick offered everything from rare wine to exclusive zoo experiences, drawing enthusiastic support.
Palm Beach Zoo recognized sponsors and partners who helped make the night a success, sending guests home with curated gifts and an invitation to return, with every visit helping to save wildlife.
For more information, visit palmbeachzoo.org.