Busch Wildlife Sanctuary hosts its inaugural Flora & Fauna Luncheon on Palm Beach Island

The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary celebrated its inaugural Flora & Fauna Spring Luncheon at The Colony Hotel on Palm Beach Island on Thursday, April 3.
 
Over 130 guests gathered to enjoy animal encounters, a three-course gourmet lunch, a discussion panel with Amy Kight, Chief Executive Officer, and Rebecca Reid, the Director of Education and Community Outreach, a live auction, and more, with proceeds benefiting Busch Wildlife Sanctuary’s two-fold mission of wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.
 
The inaugural luncheon, chaired by David Busch and Farley Rentschler, began with refreshments in the East Garden where guests got up close with a few of the organization’s animal ambassadors – including Jacques, a barn owl who suffered a wing injury so severe it required a partial amputation; and Nigel, a brown pelican now permanently impaired after found entrapped in fishing line.
 
Following a gourmet lunch in the Coral Ballroom, WPBF25 anchor Brooke Silverang welcomed Kight and Reid to the stage for an educational discussion panel about the nonprofit’s mission. The women shared harrowing rescue and rehabilitation stories in addition to their favorite, inspiring moments over the years working at the Sanctuary.
 
The event ended with a raffle featuring exclusive Busch Wildlife Sanctuary experiences including VIP tours with Kight and “Paint with an Animal” enrichment activities, and an exciting live auction where guests bid on enticing items such as a six-night South African safari adventure and deep-sea fishing excursions.
 
“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support from the Palm Beach community for this inaugural event,” Kight said.  “This is just the beginning—we look forward to expanding our presence and impact even further. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary has been a staple in the area for over 40 years, and as Palm Beach County continues to grow, we look forward to continue educating both newcomers and longtime residents about our mission and the extraordinary wildlife that we share our environment with.”
 
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary will host the 2026 Flora & Fauna Spring Luncheon on Thursday, March 26, at The Colony Hotel