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On Saturday, February 8, the Zoo’s Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) is celebrating the fourth annual Indigo Blues BBQ.
This popular event will feature two live music sets from local favorite musicians The Smoking Jackets, a BBQ tasting trail available for pre-purchase, reptile presentations from expert staff, and so much more—all while supporting the Zoo’s efforts to protect Florida’s native Eastern indigo snake. Guests can also learn fascinating information about the Eastern indigo snake and the OCIC’s mission.
“The Indigo Blues BBQ is one of our favorite events because it perfectly combines education, conservation, and community,” said Dr. James Bogan, director of the OCIC. “Every ticket sold and every BBQ bite enjoyed helps support our mission to re-establish this threatened species into its former range. We couldn’t do the work we do without the support.”
The event will run during Zoo opening hours, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is included for the Zoo’s Annual Passholders (with a suggested $2 donation to benefit OCIC) and is $25.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors and $19.95 for children 3 to 12. Children 2 and younger are free. Guests can add a BBQ Tasting Trail Pass when they purchase tickets online, to sample at three meat and side stations, plus enjoy dessert. The BBQ menu is also available for purchase a la carte onsite.
Guests can participate in a charity raffle and 50/50 drawings, shop art created by the Zoo’s animals, and take part in other unique opportunities to help raise awareness and support conservation of this incredible species.
The OCIC is the only captive breeding facility for the Eastern indigo snake with the sole purpose of releasing the offspring into regions where the population has been extirpated. Working with partners, the group has released more than 300 snakes to date at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve in Bristol and Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest. The OCIC also works to reintroduce the striped newt.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens shares that mission for conservation, creating connections that inspire people to take action for wildlife.
For more information about the Indigo Blues BBQ and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/event/indigo-bbq/.
For more information about the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC), click here.
About the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is home to more than 350 animals in Sanford, Florida. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, creating connections that inspire people to take action for wildlife. More information is available at www.centralfloridazoo.org.
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