It’s all about the animals.
Two of Atlanta’s most unique adult-only fundraisers roll out this week, both with the goal of making life better for the beasts of land and water and the people who want to visit them.
On Thursday, Georgia Aquarium presents its sixth annual Aqua Vino, a ritzy event providing access to 200 types of wine, gourmet food from a slew of area eateries and the ability to roam the aquarium after hours.
Fast forward to Saturday, and Zoo Atlanta is staging its fourth annual Jazzoo, a philanthropic endeavor that encourages guests to don stripes or spots while sampling food from 30 restaurants and 20 bars and listening to music on four stages, including one inhabited by Yacht Rock, all amid the backdrop of the zoo.
This year’s Aqua Vino, which has tapped TV personality Jeff Corwin as host, will support the aquarium’s veterinary services and research efforts.
Two animal groups that have benefited from monies raised at the aquarium are the sea otters and sea turtles, both of which require shelter in a rehabilitative environment.
Gina Fisher, senior animal care and training specialist at Georgia Aquarium, said that the sea otter exhibit in the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest gallery now has three separate areas for the animals to reside, which has made it possible for the aquarium to take in rescues through their partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium in California.
Since opening in 2005 with sea otters Gracie and Oz, Georgia Aquarium has welcomed Cruz, Bixby and Brighton.
The animals needed round-the-clock care, including bottle feedings and extensive grooming, and -- since Georgia Aquarium is one of only 15 facilities in North America equipped to handle sea otters -- the refugees had an ideal home.
Turtle rehabilitation has been part of the aquarium’s mission since it opened, too. Aquarist Sarah Murray said that money from events such as Aqua Vino fund ongoing necessities, such as the stretchers needed for the turtles during feeding and checkup and a new holding area where the reptiles can reside prior to release.
In late August, Georgia Aquarium released loggerhead sea turtle Murphy into the Atlantic Ocean. Currently, T.J., the fourth loggerhead to be housed at the aquarium, is on a rehab plan that, in a few years, will see him grow from 7 pounds to 70.
While Aqua Vino was developed internally at Georgia Aquarium, the funky Jazzoo at Zoo Atlanta began when a couple of friends – Chris Carter and Gene Rice -- attended a similar event in Kansas City and thought it would be perfect to bring to Atlanta.
During the event’s second year, Jason Heslep, a native Atlantan and now chairman of the Jazzoo committee – a volunteer position -- immersed himself in promoting the fundraiser for personal reasons.
“I grew up going to Zoo Atlanta, going on field trips and with my family, so as an adult now, it’s kind of my way to give back,” he said.
Monies raised from Jazzoo benefit Zoo Atlanta’s Access programs that provide free admission and field trips to disadvantaged children and schools.
“All children should have the opportunity to go to the zoo,” said Heslep, who works for the Cartoon Network.
The gist of Jazzoo is fun. Attendees are encouraged to wear something animal-related – whether it’s a peacock-feather hair decoration or tiger-striped Bermuda shorts – and this year’s event will also feature a costume contest, an aerialist and stilt walkers wandering the zoo grounds.
“It is,” Heslep said, “unlike any date night.”
Event preview
Aqua Vino
7-10 p.m. Thursday. $150 (Grand Tasting) and $750 (VIP admission for two, which starts at 6 p.m.). Attendees must be 21 and older. Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-581-4000, www.georgiaaquarium.org.
Jazzoo
6:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday. $100 and $150 (VIP, which starts at 5:30 p.m.). Attendees must be 21 and older. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., S.E., Atlanta. 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org.
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