LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Save the Zoo, a weekend fundraising event sponsored by online retailer Zappos.com, raised more than $251,000 for Roos-n-More, an exotic animal zoo in Moapa Town facing closure.
Roos-n-More was partially shut down for multiple county code violations in January and has been trying to raise the funds needed to renovate their facilities and re-open to the public. An online donation campaign collected around $11,400, barely making a dent in remodeling costs estimated at over $200,000. More on the zoo’s struggle to stay afloat can be found in a St. George News report published on Feb.14.
Held at Zappos.com’s corporate headquarters in Las Vegas on Saturday and Sunday, the event featured some of the zoo’s amiable furry and feathered residents, including the kookaburra, toucanet, coatimundi, wallaby, kangaroo and Bactrian camel. Not only locals but Utah, Arizona and California residents crowded the parking lot for a lengthy yet worthwhile wait to get in the animal enclosures.
Through ticket sales and donations, Save the Zoo collected just over $151,000. Zappos.com pledged an additional $100,000. All profits will go directly to Roos-n-More.
“We cannot thank everybody enough for all the support and love. We really appreciate everybody’s help and every dollar made it possible,” the zoo’s staff said in a statement.
“This was one of the most community-focused events we’ve seen,” Zappos.com public relations manager Catherine Cook said. “Without the support of the local Las Vegas community, none of this would have been possible. We are grateful to all of our partners, visitors and donors who came together to help save the zoo.”
Click on any photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
St. George News reporter Dave Amodt contributed to this article.
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.
Not really in favor of turning wildlife into petting zoo exhibits, but I’m glad they got enough cash to keep their rescue going.
Dave took some really great photos. What a beautiful venue for the fundraiser. Don’t forget the article by Alexa Verdugo Morgan bringing attention to the amazing Zoo and promoting the event.