SAN DIEGO – The 42nd Annual Rendezvous in the Zoo (aka RITZ) celebrated 50 years of conservation work via its Frozen Zoo this month.
What’s a Frozen Zoo? It’s an extensive collection of living cell lines preserved for valuable conservation, research, and future use, making it a possible barrier against complete extinction.
Among the many there who enjoyed the festive gala were Kristi Pieper, Dr. Richard Leung, Denny Sanford, and quite a collection of animals with their zoo ambassadors, including an adorable sloth and a porcupine.
Guests enjoyed a fine dinner and dancing courtesy of Wayne Foster Entertainment featuring everyone’s favorite singer, Jacqueline Foster.
On the move, co-chairs Don and Stephanie McGuire with Robert Gleason and Marc Matys. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Curator and scientist of the Frozen Zoo Maryls Houck and Ann Misuraca. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Chairs Don and Stephanie McGuire with Shawn Dixon, San Diego Zoo interim president and CEO. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Drake Pieper, tennis coach supreme. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Makena Kronemyer. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Sandra Alavi in Dolce & Gabbana and Dr. Sassan Alavi with Brigadier Gen. Peter Dawkins and Mary Ourisman, former ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Lizz Bishop with perfectly animal print-attired Kosta Kalamaras. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Dr. Sassan Alavi with Hanaa Zahran of U.S. Bank, Dr. Richard Leung in the background. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Business brand consultant Maggie Watkins with Congressman Scott Peters and former State Sen. Toni Atkins. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Generous Zoo patron Dianne Bashor with Scripps top concierge doctor Dr. Joseph Andrews and his wife Cathy. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
San Diego and Palm Beach ‘it couple’ Valerie and Harry Cooper resplendent in Dolce & Gabbana. (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News) 
Gilda Adler and Margo Schwab hand-painted and handsewn couture Jordan gowns. (Photo courtesy Gilda Adler) (Photo by Margo Schwab/Special to La Jolla Village News)
