On the Circuit: Claws, Paws and Jaws Society

The Nashville Zoo brought a little wild excitement to the home of Lyn and Scott Sohr for its annual Claws, Paws and Jaws Society reception. Guests enjoyed a beautiful evening by the pool while mingling with some of the zoo's animal ambassadors, including Willow the binturong and a snake who enjoyed her time by the heat lamp.

The gathering celebrated the zoo's most dedicated supporters and offered a glimpse into its ambitious future. Nashville Zoo president and CEO Rick Schwartz thanked guests for their generosity, noting that the Claws, Paws and Jaws Society generates more than $1 million in philanthropic support.

Rick also shared details about the zoo's largest project to date, a $72 million expansion made possible in part by a $40 million gift from Herb Fritz. Plans include what Rick said will be the country’s largest orangutan habitat, along with new habitats for clouded leopards, otters, tree kangaroos and other species.

“Our goal has always been to be a destination zoo,” Rick said. He noted that annual attendance has grown considerably since the zoo welcomed 78,000 visitors during its first year at Grasmere in 1997, and expects attendance to reach 1.4 million this year.

As the evening continued, guests enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the animals and learn more about the zoo's plans. “Our goal is to be a world-class zoo, and I think we're almost there. Almost there,” Rick said.