Meet Our Donors

Edie Ernst first visited the Minnesota Zoo in 1994 and continues to be a regular visitor today. See how she's ensuring our animals will continue to thrive and inspire visitors' curiosity for years to come.

Karel Weigel—IRA

Karel Weigel has a passion for the Minnesota Zoo and its efforts to educate and engage visitors. She made a gift to ensure those efforts continue for years to come.

Gary and Marcia Richter—Life Insurance

Gary and Marcia Richter have long supported the Zoo by investing both and time and money. The couple recently included the Zoo in their estate plan.

Dr. Ivy Hill Celender—Bequest

Ivy Celender knows the value of special animal experiences. She is a longtime fan of the Zoo and she's observed the benefits firsthand.

Bobbie Hedge—CGA

If you visit the Zoo on a Tuesday, you may have the pleasure of meeting Bobbie Hedge, a 13-year volunteer who discovered the Zoo when she moved from Santa Barbara to Minnesota.

Doug Jones Family Foundation—Endowment

Doug Jones makes supporting the Minnesota Zoo a family affair. Among Jones' family and friends (from Warroad to Eagan) are many teachers, so it is not surprising that education is near and dear to his heart.

Rodney Forristall—Bequest

Rodney Forristall loves being outdoors at the Minnesota Zoo, and he visits often to walk the Northern Trail, see the bird show, and enjoy lunch at Russia's Grizzly Coast.

Bruce and Terry Hutchins—Bequest

"I feel like a little kid again when I'm at the Minnesota Zoo," raves Terry Hutchins. "Bruce and I have loved bringing our grandkids and friends there for many years.

Paul Olson—Bequest

Answering an announcement recruiting volunteers for "the new zoo" on WCCO Radio in 1977, Paul Olson solidified his life-long commitment to animals.

Janet Majerus—Bequest

As a volunteer in Discovery Bay, Janet Majerus combined her love for birds, education and the Zoo into an estate gift. Supporting the Zoo is important, she says, to ensure it's here for generations to come.

Dennis Albrecht—CGA

When the Zoo opened in 1978, Dennis joined the Zoo's talented crew of "Blue Shirt" volunteers. For the next 25 years, he volunteered two Sundays a month, helping Zoo guests of all ages with their questions.

Ellie Crosby—CGA

Trustee Ellie Crosby has been an advocate for the Minnesota Zoo since the very beginning. Through a charitable gift annuity, she receives income for life and the satisfaction of supporting an organization close to her heart.

Jim and Nancy Guerino—IRA

Over several years supporting the Zoo, Jim and Nancy Guerino have gained an understanding of our connectedness to the natural world, especially animals. By giving from their IRAs, they're able to benefit those who visit the Zoo and themselves.

Corrine and Sheldon Smith—Bequest

Corrine Smith has a lifelong love of nature—a love she passed down to her children. See how she's ensuring her appreciation for nature and animals continues through a gift in her estate plan.

Pat Koors—Bequest

Some of the Zoo's best friends support the Minnesota Zoo financially, while others are generous with their time. Pat Koors does both.

David and Jaimi Romans—Endowment

In October of 2009, David and Jaimi Romans tragically lost their 9 month old son, Will, to H1N1. Will was a beautiful, playful, happy little boy who loved the Minnesota Zoo.

Natalie Stephens Supports the Zoo with Her Legacy Gift

Natalie Stephens, a longtime Zoo donor and volunteer, supports the Zoo with her legacy gift because she values conservation, education programs, and sharing an appreciation for animals with the community.

Circle of Life Society Members

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