'Sex & the City Zoo' benefit for LA Zoo Feb. 12

"SEX AND THE CITY ZOO 3," a wildly romantic Valentine's Day event celebrating animal mating, dating and cohabitating, is presented by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) on Sunday, February 12, 2012, 5 pm, in the Zoo's Witherbee Auditorium. The lighthearted, adults-only affair begins with a reception featuring tempting desserts, alluring wines and "animal walk-abouts," which include chats with keepers and the chance to observe small animals up close. Then, the heart of the evening is a provocative presentation – with audience participation -- by Zoo veteran Jason Jacobs, who offers insights about relationships in the animal kingdom. "Sex and City Zoo 3" climaxes with an optional four-course dinner at Reggie's Bistro inside the Zoo. Proceeds from the fund-raiser, the third annual, support the Zoo’s mission of wildlife preservation and conservation.

Jacobs, L.A. Zoo's director of public relations and marketing, has worked in zoos since he was 13 years old and describes himself as "coming of age amid a menagerie," adding, "Spending almost every day of my life in a zoo for more than twenty years and has given me a unique perspective on the birds and the bees." He promises a humorous and enlightening evening.

Dinner guests receive a long stem rose per couple and a glass of house champagne or sparkling wine per person. The meal begins with an "Amuse" course of Fresh Watermelon, Dungeness Lump Crab and Micro Cilantro; followed by a selection of Artisan Breads served with Sundried Tomato Tapanade, then a salad course of Grilled Fresh Costa Rican Hearts of Palm, Lola Rossa Lettuce and Oven Roasted Campari Tomatoes with Passion Fruit Dressing. The three Entrée Choices are Peppered Filet Mignon, Yukon Gold Potato Pave, Cabernet Truffle Reduction; Herb Grilled Fresh Atlantic Salmon, Du Puy Lentils, Baby Fennel, Port Wine Shallot Sauce; or Italian Risotto, Saffron, Grilled Local Vegetables, Vermouth Cream. Dessert is a special "Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate" dish. Iced tea and sodas are included, and guests may purchase Napa Valley Wines: Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel.

"Sex and the City Zoo 3" is generously sponsored by Whole Foods Market West Hollywood, with chocolates provided by Madécasse.

For nearly five decades, the private, non-profit Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, founded in 1963, has funded exhibits, plant and animal species conservation, capital projects, and education and community outreach programs at the Los Angeles Zoo, an international leader in the preservation of endangered species and a conservation center for the care and study of wildlife. GLAZA also builds and invests endowment funds and operates five essential departments on behalf of the Zoo, including development, publications, membership, volunteers and oversight of the Zoo's food/retail concessions. There are currently 72,000 GLAZA member households representing more than 300,000 adults and children, the largest membership base of a cultural organization in Los Angeles, and a volunteer corps of over 700.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027, in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.

Tickets are $25 per person for GLAZA members, with the dinner option an additional $65 per person, and $35 per person for non members, plus an additional $75 for the dinner option. (Adults only, age 21 up.) Seating is limited, and reservations are required by February 8. Call 323 644-6042 for reservations. www.lazoo.org