The Chattanooga Zoo will host its annual Banana Ball on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 6:30-11 p.m. at the zoo, featuring a guest appearance by renown zookeeper Jack Hanna.

“Banana Ball is our most anticipated fundraising event of the year,” Darde Long, Executive Director of the Zoo said. “We hope everyone will come out and enjoy a magical evening at the Zoo to benefit a great cause.”

Guests will experience a special evening at the zoo while enjoying a presentation by Jack Hanna, up close animal encounters, a first look at the new Deserts and Forests Exhibit, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and an open bar, and all for the special anniversary price of $75. A cigar bar providing signature, hand-rolled cigars by Burns Tobacconist will also be made available to attendees.

This year will also feature the first-ever Banana Split event especially for children. Children ages three to 12 can meet Jack Hanna and his special animal friends from 3-4 p.m. in the education building. Opportunities will be provided to purchase Jack Hanna’s autographed “Passport Into the Wild” children’s book. Banana split sundaes are included. Tickets are $25 per child, and one parent per child receives complimentary admission.

For those interested in spending quality time with Jack, a special VIP backstage pass is available for $150. The pass includes admission to the Banana Ball as well as a private VIP reception at 5:30 p.m.

Banana Ball is the Chattanooga Zoo’s signature fundraising event, with all proceeds going to the care of the zoo’s many animals, as well as its conservation, education and rehabilitation efforts.

This year’s sponsors include Athens Distribution, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Brewer Media Group, Burns Tobacconist, Carter Distributing Company, Coca-Cola Company, Dr. Tom Donovan and Family, Doubletree by Hilton, Fairway Outdoor Advertising, First Tennessee Bank, FSGBank, Garden Plaza, Girls Preparatory School, Hamico, Inc., Henderson, Hutcherson & McCullough, PLLC, Patten and Patten, Inc. and Triad Electric.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 423.697.1339 or visit bananaball2012.com.

The 14-acre Chattanooga Zoo (historically referred to as the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park) is accredited by the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Chattanooga Zoo celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. For more information, visit chattzoo.org.