Whether it’s a visit to the penguins or a ride on the Zooline Railroad, the Saint Louis Zoo is a place of wonder and learning for many. It offers recreation, education and more while serving as a leader in animal research and conservation—and none of it would be possible without the support of the community and individual donors. Planned giving offers every St. Louisan the opportunity to help animals around the world while ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy enriching experiences.
In 2004, the Saint Louis Zoo established a permanent endowment. Through it, both outright and legacy gifts are invested and stewarded, ensuring ongoing funding for the Zoo’s mission. Each year, a set percentage of the investment is distributed to support operations and conservation efforts, according to the donor’s desired impact. “Planned giving and the endowment support everything that the Zoo does today while helping prepare for every tomorrow,” Director of Planned Gifts Lori Sullivan says. “If someone remembers the Saint Louis Zoo in their estate plan, we don’t just spend the money and then it’s gone. Within the endowment, their gift lasts forever.”
There are many ways that donors may support the Saint Louis Zoo’s endowment. These include gifts of cash, stock, life insurance, property and retirement assets during life or after. Named endowed funds can be established for $50,000 or more. These allow donors to directly support initiatives, such as education, animal care, curator or administrator positions and more. “For example, these funds can help eliminate barriers to access for under-resourced families by supporting camp scholarships or even something as simple as providing lunch or a tee-shirt to a summer camper in need,” Sullivan explains. “Our lovely donors ensure that the Zoo remains free to all to serve our entire community.”
For people who wish to remember the Saint Louis Zoo in their estate, consultations are offered in partnership with Thompson & Associates, a values-based estate planning service. The Zoo covers the consulting fee, and many participants have found it to be a great way to ensure that their wishes are known and will be followed, according to Sullivan. “It can be joyful to plan for both your values and your valuables to do great things forever after,” she notes. “Anyone can make a planned gift. There’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing that the people, places and causes you care about will be provided for and continue to thrive, all in your memory.”
People who remember the Zoo as a beneficiary may be recognized as members of the Zoo’s Heritage Society. The program honors those who have made a legacy intention with special recognition, invitations to events and more. For Tamara Schmitz, joining the Heritage Society was an easy decision. “My fondest memories of childhood center on one location,” she says. “Where else but the Saint Louis Zoo could I ride a steam train, watch the Sea Lion Show, learn something new about an animal and enjoy the day without spending the whole $6 I earned that week mowing the neighbor’s lawn? Those experiences continue to inspire me.”
The Saint Louis Zoo conserves animals and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation and education. With a planned gift, you can help animals around the world while supporting the legacy of the zoo for future generations. For more information, call 314.646.4973 or visit stlzoo.giftlegacy.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Zoo
Pictured at the top: Director of planned gifts Lori Sullivan
Photo courtesy of Saint Louis Zoo
