SEATTLE - The Woodland Park Zoological Society's 26th annual Jungle Party, which was presented by Washington Mutual, was a huge success. Last week’s fundraising extravaganza, attended by nearly 900 civic and philanthropic leaders from throughout the region, raised more than $1 million dollars including over $200,000 for the zoo's Save-A-Species, the jaguar, our Fund-An-Item for the evening!

The Save-A-Species funds will go towards the acquisition and general well-being of an additional jaguar to the zoo, an interpretative educational component for the new jaguar exhibit opening next summer, and conservation programs associated with the jaguar including endangered species awareness, action rain forest protection, and other needed programs that can be implemented here at the zoo and around the world.

This year's Jungle Party celebrated Sentido da Vida – The Feel of Life! Guests were transported to a Brazilian-like Carnaval atmosphere through a menagerie of sights, sounds and smells. The evening included informative tours of animal exhibits, up-close and personal animal encounters, a lavish sit-down dinner by Ray’s Catering, open bars – one bar set up for Kathy Casey Food Studios, which featured “Jaguar Juice,” a delicious beverage created by Kathy Casey herself, specifically for Jungle Party 2002! The event also included a live Brazilian band and fun-filled bidding on unique auction items during the silent auctions and live auction.

Live auction highlights included a Georgia Gerber one-of-a-kind "Jaguar with Cub bronze" which raised $26,000; "Behind the Scenes with the Elephants and Breakfast for 10," which sold three times for $4,500 each; "Throw the First Pitch Out and a Suite for 16 at a Mariners vs. Yankees game" for $16,000; a "Seven Night Stay for Six Friends to Manzanillo, Mexico – roundtrip airfare included" for $13,000; and an "African BBQ for 50 at the African Village at Woodland Park Zoo" for $7,000.

This year's Golden Lion Award honorees were Phil and Sandra Nudelman for their past and current support of Jungle Party. The award is given to corporations or philanthropists who have demonstrated exemplary service and outstanding commitment to Woodland Park and Jungle Party. Sponsors were Washington Mutual; Gull Industries Inc.; Goldman Sachs & Co.; Preston Gates & Ellis; Unico Properties Inc.; Vulcan Inc.; Boeing Employees’ Credit Union; NBBJ West Ltd. Partnership; Riddell Williams P.S.; and Lease Crutcher Lewis.

Jungle Party proceeds benefit Woodland Park Zoo to maintain this treasured community resource and help make a difference in the survival of threatened and endangered species in Washington and around the world.