COLUMBIA - The wildest party in town will take place at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden on Saturday, Oct. 11. Guests will be immersed in some of the world's most fascinating habitats as they engage in an exotic adventure at Riverbanks ZOOfari - the zoo's premier fundraiser.

"Riverbanks ZOOfari is an opportunity for our supporters to experience the wild side of Riverbanks," said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "All proceeds raised at ZOOfari go directly to providing the animals with highest quality care and our guests with the experience they expect from a world-class attraction."

The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a giant reception overlooking the elephants. Guests will enter through the Ndoki Gateway and be led through Riverbanks Conservation Outpost to the Ndoki Forest by African dancers and drummers from the Adandé Drum and Dance Company. As guests journey through the jungle, they will discover delectable hors d'oeuvres, including lollipop lamb chops, chilled ceviche, petite beef wellington and marinated quail breast wrapped in bacon.

When the clock strikes 8 p.m., party-goers will voyage to a feast under-the-sea. The Palmetto Plaza will be transformed into an under-water wonderland. From shoyu chicken with citrus glaze and herbs and kahlua pork with sautéed cabbage to tempurabattered mahi mahi and sesame barbeque beef, there will be something for every palate.

The highlight of the evening will be at 9 p.m. when the live auction gets rolling. Some of the items that are on the block are the naming rights to lion cub number five, a chance to give an elephant a pedicure (with the help of the hoofstock team, of course) and an opportunity to have a cocktail party with the tuxedo-clad penguins. And one lucky guest will score the ultimate backyard makeover designed by Riverbanks horticulturists.

Tickets for Riverbanks ZOOfari are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.riverbanks.org or by phone at 803.779.8717 x1601. There are a limited number of tickets for the event and reservations are required by October 8.

Riverbanks ZOOfari is sponsored by Riverbanks Society, the private nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting the needs of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. A portion of the ticket price is taxdeductible.