Zoo event raises more than $2,700

Music played as children and their families raced between exhibits, admiring the animal kingdom that Hillcrest Park Zoo had to offer. From roaring tigers to swinging spider monkeys, guests were taken on an adventure by the zoo's first "Wine in the Wild" event on Saturday.

Set as a fundraiser to make a bigger and more comfortable enclosure for the 20-year-old spider monkeys – it raised more than $2,700, organizers said -- the event is one of many the zoo plans to better provide for their exhibits, said Jessica Boisseau, who coordinated Saturday's gathering.

"We're so thrilled and proud to bring these events to the community," said Boisseau. "... Not just something for kids to do and not just the adults to do, but really offer a myriad of activities of all ages throughout the day."

The event started with a "family friendly" atmosphere (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) where guests were able to explore the zoo and enjoy commodities including food trucks, local vendors, ice cream, free face paintings, and craft stations. There were also live performances from singer "SPiVEY" and the Clovis Aerial Arts.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. the fundraiser was then directed to be a strictly 21 and older event, where adult attendees could partake in wine tasting from Enchantment Vineyard of Portales and paint figurines with an instructor from Just Kiln Me Now.

"These events not only raise money for a good cause, they also raise awareness and give something for people to do. But they also help support local businesses. Which we really are proud to be able to accomplish," Boisseau said.

As the fundraiser came to an end, Boisseau said there were 475 attendees, beating their last fundraiser's record of 450.

Boisseau said this doesn't cover the entire cost of the new enclosure, however it's a step in the right direction as they continue to work with the city to improve the zoo.

"These fundraisers really are to supplement funding that the zoo has and can receive and to also raise public awareness. The more momentum we get with establishing these fundraisers and building them up and educating the public on the importance of being responsible stewards of animal life." Boisseau said. "And getting excited to participate in things that benefit the zoo. The more traction we'll have in making this a consistent effort in making enclosures for these animals."

The goal is to make fundraisers like this one twice a year Boisseau said. She said they hope to host more "paint and sip" events in the future as it encourages a lot more attendance from guests to have a nice night out.