Whether it’s a visit to the penguins, a ride on the Emerson Zooline Railroad or a new fact about a favorite animal from a helpful keeper, the Saint Louis Zoo is a place of wonder and learning for many. It offers recreation, education and more while serving as a global 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 right here at home.
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. “The endowment helps support not only annual operations, but also sustains the Zoo’s mission in the long term,” director of planned giving Robin Kraujalis explains. 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.
People who remember the Saint Louis Zoo as a beneficiary are recognized as members of its Heritage Society. The program honors those who intend to make legacy donations with special recognition, invitations to events and more. There are no requirements to join outside of sharing your intention to include the Zoo in your estate plan. “We honor and remember the special connection that Heritage Society members have with the Zoo,” Kraujalis says. “They help ensure that into the future, we can remain a world-class institution that can welcome everyone.”
Earlier this year, the Saint Louis Zoo announced the Better Wild, Better World campaign. The initiative supports two of the Zoo’s most ambitious projects in its 116-year history. Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery is a soon-to-open children’s experience at the Zoo in Forest Park, and the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park is a 425-acre development in north St. Louis County expected to open in 2027. The campaign also includes an endowment goal, meaning it strengthens the Zoo’s mission and focus on Animals Always. “With more and more animal species disappearing each day, it’s more important than ever before to prioritize care and conservation here at home and around the world,” Kraujalis says.
The Better Wild, Better World campaign and the Saint Louis Zoo’s planned giving program illustrate the impact a donation can have during a person’s lifetime and beyond. Kraujalis notes that legacy giving is a way to ensure the people, places and causes you are passionate about will be provided for and continue to thrive. “There are so many ways to give, and making a legacy gift is a great way to make a bigger impact than you thought possible,” she says. “A donation to the Saint Louis Zoo today will touch the lives of animals and St. Louisans for generations.”
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.org/plannedgiving.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of Saint Louis Zoo
Pictured at the top: Planned giving ensures future generations can enjoy the Saint Louis Zoo.
Photo: Ray Meibaum/Saint Louis Zoo
