The Little Rock Zoo is closing early today so that it can finalize the set-up for Wild Wines of the World – the annual fund raising event of the Arkansas Zoological Foundation sponsored by Wright, Lindsey and Jennings, LLP.

The event, now in its eighth year, has more than doubled the number of participating restaurants from last year’s event, making it one of the largest culinary experiences in central Arkansas. Food donated by central Arkansas’s best restaurants and food establishments will be paired with wine donated by O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor at uniquely themed stops set-up along designated paths all around the Zoo.

This year’s theme for the event is “All Aboard” in honor of the Zoo Foundation’s effort to raise funds for a new Zoo train. All proceeds from the event will go toward the purchase of a new train scheduled to arrive at the Zoo on Memorial Day weekend.

The wine and culinary trip begins at 6:00 p.m. in Café Africa in the Reserve Wine Room with food from Cache Restaurant where executive chef Matt Cooper will be on hand with O’Looney’s store owner and certified wine expert Jonathan Looney, who will discuss wine and food pairings with patrons of the event.

The main event opens at 7:00 p.m. with food and beverages served from 56 tables in 14 uniquely themed areas. Highlights of the event include the Hiland Dairy Cooking Team with members of the Coleman family cooking fresh steak and shrimp for guests, and Arkansas Craft Beer serving-up samples of local brew. Loblolly Creamery will be serving “winesicles,” and Scallions will serve their famous cheese soup. IHOP will be cooking fresh French crepes, and Flying Saucer will serve soft pretzels with spicy mustard. This is just a taste of what guests can expect at Wild Wines this year!

Tickets are only $65 per person for the general event and $100 per person for the Reserve Room and may be purchased online at LittleRockZoo.com/wildwines or by calling (501) 666-2406. Tickets will be sold at the door while they last, but Reserve Room tickets typically sell-out well in advance.

The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit http://www.aza.org.