Learn about the Birds and Bees -- No, Really

To help raise funds for its Franklin Park and Stone Zoos, Zoo New England is holding an intriguing and unique event it is calling Cocktails and Love Tales. Held at the House of Blues and strategically scheduled just before Valentine's Day, humans can engage in mating rituals and socialize while enjoying mixed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and music spun by a DJ. The evening will feature a presentation by an animal expert who will explore the slightly provocative topic of animal courtship.

You know that birds do it, bees do it, and even educated fleas do it. But how, exactly, do animals fall in love? I'm guessing that instead of cocktails, beasts' love tales may have something to do with, well, tails. According to the zoo folks, the answers will surprise you and illustrate how we are not all that different from our animal friends when it comes to the game of love (minus the tails part).

For an extra fee, guests can supplement the Love Tales event with an exclusive giraffes encounter at Franklin Park Zoo. I'm not sure what the zoo means by "giraffes encounter," but it could give a whole new meaning to necking.