Taronga Foundation 2008 Ivy Dinner helps build Gung's new home at Taronga Zoo

When a male Lion takes over a pride, he kills most of the cubs to ensure all new cubs born are his offspring.

The new home for Gung, Taronga's young Asian Elephant bull, is well on the way thanks to the record funds raised by the Taronga Foundation 2008 Ivy Dinner held on Thursday 19 June.

Demand was high for the annual Taronga Foundation fundraiser in the Establishment Ballroom, where guests arrived after drinks in Hemmesphere, to support Taronga Zoo's efforts for Asian Elephants. The evening raised a record $280,000 which will go towards the next phase of the Zoo's Asian Elephant Breeding Program to provide home for Gung as he matures. The sell-out evening was one of the most successful ever for the Taronga Foundation.

Rove McManus, a passionate animal lover and Zoo supporter, once again emceed the evening. The Zoo's corporate and philanthropic supporters who partied on into the night included Taronga Foundation Chairman Maurice Newman and Governors Antonia Kidman, Skye Leckie, Justin Miller, Gretel Packer, Deb Thomas and the creative genius behind Ivy and the Merivale brands, Justin Hemmes. Others enjoying themselves included TV vet Chris Brown, Mikey and Laura Robins, Rebel Penfold-Russell and Chris and Tracey Ann Oxley.

Taronga's Director Guy Cooper provided an overview of the Zoo's achievements and vision for the future, while elephant keeper Bradd Johnston spoke about his passion for his enormous charges. Under the watchful eye of Justin Miller guests bid on exclusive auction items including 'Dinner in Great Southern Oceans' and the unique opportunity to name one of the Zoo's first Tasmanian Devil babies, bred as part of Taronga's role in this vital national program to save these endangered animals.

Thank you to the following event sponsors and supporters;