KXO Radio AM1230 and FM 107.5

If anyone has ever dreamed of visiting behind the scenes of the San Diego Zoo's Giant Panda Research Station; or taking a private VIP peak at koalas or elephants; or owning exclusive artwork painted by meerkats, an ocelot or an elephant -- now is the time to make those dreams a reality.

The online auction is part of the San Diego Zoo's conservation fundraising efforts as it gears up for its largest fundraising event of the year on Sept. 29 "Celebration for the Critters," presented by Cymer, Inc. It is San Diego's largest food and wine tasting event, featuring samples from hundreds of gourmet restaurants and wineries. There will be live entertainment on two stages, an opportunity to meet Joan Embery and her exotic critters, and a silent auction.

All proceeds from the weeklong online auction, as well as the main event, will benefit the San Diego Zoo's center for Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES).

CRES is the largest zoo-based multidisciplinary research team in the world. Over the past 30 years, the work of CRES has grown to include international field conservation programs in more than 30 countries worldwide. CRES identifies the most pressing species conservation problems and applies the most innovative and creative science possible to solve them.

To place a bid on a special item that supports CRES efforts, visit www.sandiegozoo.org/calendar/celebration_auction.html . To learn more about Celebration for the Critters and reserve your tickets go directly to www.celebrationforthecritters.com .