[Columbia, SC] - Riverbanks Zoo is no stranger to delighting children, but from 7 to 11pm on October 1, it's adults who will be entertained at the Zoo's 7th Annual Wild Things Safari - the only gala in town where safari gear, rather than a black tie, is considered optional.

"This is a party that's just plain fun," said Satch Krantz, Executive Director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. "We do it every year and each year, it just keeps getting better and better. When you think about it, this is the only night of the year that the Zoo caters purely to adults."

This year's theme, A Caravan Through Ancient Egypt, has inspired a mouthwatering menu. Food stations throughout the park will serve delicacies like Moroccan lamb stew, Chicken Tangine and Bourbon Molasses Prime Rib. Riverbanks' pedestrian bridge spanning the Saluda River will be transformed to give guests a delicious taste of Seafood on the Nile and the Zoo's main plaza will feature a Desert Oasis complete with food from the four corners of Africa.

"Wild Things Safari is an assault on all your senses," Krantz said. "The food is reason enough to come, but the entertainment is really what contributes to making you feel like you've entered another time and place." This year the Transglobal Millennium Ensemble, an eclectic group of musical artists who've shared their blend of traditional world rhythms and cross-cultural melodies with arts and music festivals across the country and as far away as Egypt, will perform.

This year's Wild Things Safari boasts two dozen belly dancers throughout the Zoo, a larger than life pyramid and two of Egypt's most famous residents, Cleopatra and Anthony, in addition to the event's silent and live auctions, which traditionally have some of the most unique prizes anywhere.

Some of the unusual auction items being put up on the block this year include Riverbanks' lights crew taking a break from decorating for Lights Before Christmas at Riverbanks to string your home with over 2,000 sparkling lights, an overhaul of your backyard by Riverbanks Garden's talented horticulturists, a gourmet dinner for six on Giraffe Overlook including transportation to and from the Zoo, and a dinner party for eight alongside the penguins complete with "tails" (tuxedos, that is) for all the men and a complimentary limo ride. Just before the auctions, guests can also participate in a Johnny Walker Scotch Tasting at Safari Camp.

All proceeds from the 2005 Wild Things Safari will benefit Riverbanks' baboon exhibit, slated for refurbishment next year. The baboon was an animal highly revered by the ancient Egyptians and believed to be capable of reading and writing, making it an honorary scribe of the pharaohs. While Riverbanks' two baboons aren't quite so good with a pen, guests can use theirs to purchase tickets either by check via mail, in person at Riverbanks' admission gate, via phone or online. Tickets are $75 for Riverbanks Society members and $85 for general admission. Call 803.779.8717 for more information, ext. 1239.