The Scovill Zoo in Decatur is hosting one of their biggest yearly events this weekend.

The "Zoo-rific Evening" is the annual gala event the zoo hosts that allows their guests the opportunity to mingle with zoo staff, enjoy food and beverages from several different vendors across the area and take part in special encounters with their animals. According to Assistant Director of the Decatur Zoo, Ken Frye, a group of special performers from ISU will be on hand this year as well.

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Past gala events have raised money for exhibits that will be on display. Frye says their most recent galas helped raise money for their penguin exhibit and the zoo is hoping to soon be able to unveil plans for a possible river otter exhibit.

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The penguin exhibit the zoo unveiled for the first time last fall has been a huge hit for the Scovill Zoo. Frye says they have seen a jump in their attendance numbers, and while he attributes a lot of it to the mild summer, he feels the penguins are a big reason for that as well.