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Celebrate Conservation and Cuisine at the 4th Annual Indigo Blues BBQ
Get ready for a day of soulful blues, delicious BBQ, and impactful conservation at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. On Saturday, February 8th, the Zoo’s Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) hosts its 4th annual Indigo Blues BBQ, a unique event benefiting the protection of Florida’s native Eastern indigo snake.
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From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere featuring two live sets by local favorite The Smoking Jackets. A pre-purchased BBQ Tasting Trail will tantalize taste buds with samples from multiple meat and side stations, culminating in a sweet dessert. For those preferring a more flexible approach, the BBQ menu will also be available for à la carte purchases on-site.
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Beyond the food and music, the Indigo Blues BBQ offers enriching experiences for all ages. Expert staff will conduct engaging reptile presentations, offering insights into the fascinating world of snakes and other reptiles. Guests can also delve into the crucial work of the OCIC and learn about the Eastern indigo snake, a threatened species the center is working diligently to protect
“The Indigo Blues BBQ is a highlight for us because it beautifully blends education, conservation, and community engagement,” says Dr. James Bogan, director of the OCIC. “Every ticket and every BBQ purchase directly supports our mission to re-establish this threatened species in its native habitat. The support we receive is essential to our success.”
The event is included with regular Zoo admission. Annual Passholders are welcome with a suggested $2 donation to the OCIC. General admission is $25.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, and $19.95 for children aged 3 to 12. Children 2 and under are free. Adding the BBQ Tasting Trail Pass to online ticket purchases is highly recommended for a complete culinary experience.
Attendees can further contribute to the cause by participating in a charity raffle, a 50/50 drawing, and purchasing art created by the Zoo’s animals. These unique opportunities offer additional ways to raise awareness and support the conservation of this remarkable species.
The OCIC stands as the sole captive breeding facility for the Eastern indigo snake dedicated to releasing offspring into areas where the species has disappeared. Through collaborative efforts, the OCIC has successfully released over 300 snakes into The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve and Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest. In addition to the Eastern indigo snake, the OCIC also works to reintroduce the striped newt.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens shares the OCIC’s commitment to conservation, fostering connections that inspire individuals to take action for wildlife. Join them on February 8th for a day of blues, BBQ, and a celebration of conservation at the 4th annual Indigo Blues BBQ.
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