I really need opinions on the latest models and which is best as I am living in the stone age of cameras.

I need good zoom ability for live wildlife, clear crisp quality photos, and the ability to get good flash photos after dark.
I quit carrying my great old AE 1 Canon film camera. My current Panasonic point and shoot digital does OK in daylight, but terrible in low light or after dark flash shots on game we recover after dark.
What do you guys think is a good choice and do I need and SLR or is there a point and shoot that provides near proffessional quality.