The Wildlife Conservation Society Gala certainly sent New Yorkers on safari at the 2011 Elephants and Ivory Gala! The Central Park Zoo brings WCS's global conservation work to life through innovative exhibits such as the Allison Maher Stern Snow Leopard and Tropic Zone Rain­forest. The decorative event immersed animal lovers in the extraordinary world of elephants' some of the most magnificent and intelligent creatures to grace the planet. Over more than 50 years of research and representation, WCS has fought to protect these "ellies" in the wild. Its efforts have been driven by truly great leaders like Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, who was honored at the gala. Douglas-Hamilton is the founder of Save the Elephants, and is a renowned authority on their behavior. Guests hoisted their cocktails to wildlife, and enjoyed dinner and dancing within a stunning party backdrop by premier event designer and floral architect Preston Bailey' making for an elephant-astic evening!