TAMPA — The gentle sea cows of Florida received special attention at this year’s Karamu, ZooTampa’s premier annual fundraising event, where more than 320 guests gathered to support wildlife conservation while raising over $500,000.
The sold-out black-tie benefit, held on February 1 at the Bank of America Savanna Oasis, transformed the 17,000-square-foot venue into an underwater paradise complete with aquatic hues and seaweed-inspired greenery. The manatee-themed celebration paid tribute to the critical rehabilitation work performed at the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center, one of the zoo’s most vital conservation programs.
“We were thrilled to announce that more than $500,000 was raised to support animal care, education and wildlife conservation efforts,” said gala co-chairs Jenna Tarapani and Anjuli Davis, who spearheaded the event. Davis reportedly received guidance from her mother-in-law, Hilary Howell Davis, who chaired the 1988 Karamu.
Country music artist Dustin Lynch provided entertainment for the evening, as attendees enjoyed dinner and participated in a lively auction. Among the most coveted auction items was a safari sleepover at the zoo, with bidders eager for the rare opportunity to experience the nighttime sounds of the animal habitats.
Since its inception, Karamu (Swahili for “feast” or “party”) has grown into Tampa Bay’s most prestigious zoological fundraiser. The event, first launched in 1988 by Sally Lowry Baldwin, has raised more than $6.5 million over its multi-decade history to benefit the more than 1,100 animals that call ZooTampa home.
Proceeds from this year’s event will directly support ZooTampa’s mission of providing exceptional animal care, educational programs, and conservation initiatives for endangered species. The successful fundraiser comes at a crucial time for wildlife conservation, particularly for Florida’s vulnerable manatee population, which continues to face significant challenges including boat strikes, habitat loss, and the effects of environmental change.
In keeping with tradition, the Karamu gala showcased both the zoo’s conservation accomplishments and Tampa Bay’s philanthropic spirit, with business leaders, community figures, and wildlife advocates coming together for the Zoological Society of Tampa’s charitable mission.