Animazonia Fundraiser in South Pasadena for Big Cat

Sip cabernet for cats and sample feta for felines at Animazonia Wildlife Foundation’s annual fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2014 in South Pasadena. The “Wine, Tastes and Treats” benefit will be held on a private estate and features unusual wines (provided by the Bottle Shop of Sierra Madre), tastings by master chef Suzanne Tracht of Jar Restaurant, live music and a silent auction.

Live animal ambassadors will also make an appearance: Shiloh a bobcat from Wildlife Waystation along with Animazonia’s own Princess, a rescued albino Burmese python will be on-hand.

In addition, speakers will discuss the plight of big cats in captivity and in the wild, especially in the Greater Los Angeles area; guests will also learn about Animazonia’s newest permanent residents: Olive and Leno, the two mountain lion cubs that achieved notoriety when they were found wandering the streets of Burbank in 2011.

Overall, the fundraiser supports the mission of the Southern California’s Animazonia wildlife sanctuary, founded in 1986 as a non-profit to house exotic animals (mainly big cats) rescued from across the United States from roadside zoos or private residences. In addition to raising funds for needed improvements, general sanctuary operating expenses can be daunting. For example, Animazonia estimates it will cost about $75,000 each to feed Olive and Leno over the course of the lives at the sanctuary.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $47, and the exclusive South Pasadena location will be supplied with benefit ticket purchase.

To order tickets and for more information, visit www.animazonia.org.

(PHOTO OF LENO BY MARTHA BENEDICT)