New Orleans,
30
January
2023
|
12:38 PM
America/Chicago

Audubon Celebrates Spider Monkeys at 2023 Zoo-To-Do Events

The 45th annual Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do and 34th annual Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans will celebrate the expansion of the popular spider monkey exhibit and conservation efforts at Audubon Zoo.  

The 2023 events are scheduled in April this year.

Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do will be Friday, April 28th, and Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans will be Friday, April 21st.  Sponsor,  Patron and general admission tickets for both events are on sale now. 

Spider monkeys are an important part of the tropical rainforest ecosystem. Usually found in the rainforest canopy, they play key roles in spreading seeds around the forest keeping it alive and flourishing. Habitat loss is the major threat to spider monkeys in the wild, and they are listed as an endangered species by the International Union of Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species which means there is a very high chance they could go extinct in the near future. In just the past 45 years, their numbers in the wild have dropped by 50%.

“The spider monkey troop at Audubon Zoo is a long-time favorite for our guests. “Expanding their habitat gives them more room to explore and provides guests more opportunities to learn about these endangered animals, “said Audubon Nature Institute President and CEO Ron Forman.  “As part of our mission to inspire making a positive impact on nature and wildlife, Audubon educates millions of people annually about endangered species like spider monkeys, their importance in the wild, and how each of us can take steps in our own lives to make a positive impacts to help the environment. Your support of our Zoo-To-Do events will help safeguard the future of these vital species.”

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Audubon Nature Institute for the annual Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do.  Our work with Audubon for this premiere event not only supports conservation efforts, but also benefits the entire community, “said Hancock Whitney Senior Regional President Gary Lorio. “This year, celebrating the expansion of the spider monkey habitat showcases the need to protect endangered species and the outstanding care they receive at Audubon.” 

Sponsor and Patron admission for Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do begins at 7:00 p.m., General admission begins at 8:00 p.m., and the party goes until 11:00 p.m. Hancock Whitney is once again the Title Sponsor for the adults-only fundraiser that features delectable cuisine and premium cocktails from local restaurants and bars as well as Audubon Catering. The headline entertainment for this year’s event is the popular party band The Phunky Monkeys, they will perform on Capital One Bank Stage, with Vivaz as the opening act. Other performers include Jose and Merengue4-FOUR at Cooper Plaza and Geovane Santos Duo performing at the entrance to the event.  

Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do guests can take a chance on the 2023 Zoo-To-Do Luxury Vehicle Raffle, which features a 2023 LEXUS NX 250, worth $40,315.00 that was generously donated by LEXUS of New Orleans. Tickets are $100 each, and a limit of 1,000 tickets will be sold. One lucky winner—who will be announced from the stage at the event—is guaranteed and the ticket-holder need not be present to win. Raffle chances can be purchased at the event, provided they have not yet sold out, over the phone by calling (504) 861-5107, and online at  ZooToDo.org until 5:00 p.m. CST on April 28, 2023.

The 34th annual Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans will take place a week before Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do with VIP and early admission starting at 5:00 p.m. and general admission starting at 6:00 p.m. Guests at this fun family evening event will enjoy tasty sips and snacks, arcade games, giant inflatables, and arts and crafts. The event ends at 9:00 p.m.

“Families in New Orleans love attending the annual Zoo-To-Do for Kids and all the fun it offers. Children’s Hospital is proud to return as the presenting sponsor for this annual family-friendly event, and that our partnership helps support Audubon’s ongoing conservation efforts,” said President and CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans Lucio A. Fragoso.  

Audubon is honored to have Mathilde  Currence chair the 2023 Hancock Whitney Zoo-To-Do and Meg Baldwin chair the 2023 Zoo-To-Do for Kids presented by Children’s Hospital New Orleans. 

download
ZTD-ZTDK 2023 Video