Jeff Corwin

Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin will be the special guest at this year's Banana Ball, the annual fundraiser for the Chattanooga Zoo. The event is 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the zoo, 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave.

Corwin, an animal and nature conservationist, is host of "The Jeff Corwin Experience" and "Corwin's Quest." He previously hosted "Going Wild With Jeff Corwin" for the Disney Channel. He has appeared on "CSI: Miami" and was hired by CNN to be an environment correspondent for an Anderson Cooper special called "Planet in Peril."

Corwin will participate in several events throughout the day as part of his visit. Before the Banana Ball, he will host Banana Split for children from 3 to 4 p.m. Ice cream is included.

Cost is $25 per child. One parent per child may attend at no charge, though the parent must remain in the back or sit with the child on his or her lap, as seating is limited.

Corwin will be featured in a private VIP reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. During the Banana Ball, he will give a presentation from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Bobby and the Aristocats will provide live music for dancing from 8 to 11 p.m.

The ball is open to ages 21 and older. Tickets are $75, which includes an open bar, food, cigar bar, entertainment and animal encounters. VIP tickets, which include the backstage reception, are $150.

To purchase tickets, go to www.chattzoo.org/events/bananaball. For more information, call 423-643-5710.