Trunkline Magazine (Louisville Zoo) December 2018 | Page 22
PHILANTHROPY
YOUR ZOO: community treasure,
animal experts, sustained impact
By Kelly Grether, Director of Development
A visit to the Louisville Zoo is
more than a chance to see some of
the world’s most amazing species
up close — nose to nose, eye to eye
or hand to paw. It’s an opportunity
to relax, unwind, de-stress and
reconnect. Numerous community
members have shared with us that
almost immediately after entering
the gates of the Zoo, they feel at
peace. They literally feel physical
changes to their body. Their shoul-
ders relax. They walk a little slower.
They breathe a little easier. Their
mind is at ease and they smile.
These guests shed the stress of ev-
eryday life just by visiting the Zoo.
Our community members
value the op-
portunity to
wander their
Zoo, interact
with staff, and
observe and
connect with
animals like
Amber the
orangutan,
Qannik the polar
bear, or western
lowland go-
rilla Kindi. Many
have shared
their appre-
ciation for the
ever-changing botanical
scenes throughout the
Zoo: the joy of seeing daffodils,
tulip poplars and azaleas bloom in
the spring; the majesty of giant oak
and ginkgo trees and the bam-
boo over 20 feet tall that provides
shade from the summer heat; the
vibrant mums, falling leaves and the
evergreens and holiday decorations
in fall and winter. They appreciate
the Zoo staff who provide the best
care for our animals and
ensure as many children and
families as possible are in-
troduced to these beautiful,
special creatures. They feel
proud because they know
the Zoo has inspired thou-
sands of people to pursue careers in
animal care, education and a variety
of sciences— and stirred millions
more to appreciate the benefit of
having a Zoo in their community.
If you can relate to the feelings
above, we ask that you consider
joining the Louisville Zoo Sustainer
Society. This is an exclusive group of
individuals — like yourself — who
support wildlife conserva-
tion, education,
environmental sus-
tainability and a fi-
nancially strong
future for your
Zoo. They are
members who
wish to ensure
the Louisville Zoo
is available for the
community to use,
support and enjoy
for generations to
come. Sustainer
Society members
receive full mem-
bership benefits,
offer significant
support to the Lou-
isville Zoo Fund and aid in providing
an array of education programs,
exemplary animal care and enrich-
ment plus vital species conservation
and scientific research efforts.
As a member of the Sustainer
Society, 10 percent of your gift
will also be directed toward a
special Louisville Zoo initiative of
your choice including conservation
SUST INER
SOCIETY
22 • Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Winter 2018
programs, scientific research, field
trip scholarship funds or animal
enrichment. Giving levels begin at
$1,200, which can be established
as a recurring monthly contribution
of $100 per month. A portion of
each level of giving is tax deduct-
ible. To learn more, please visit
LouisvilleZoo.org/SustainerSociety
or contact the Development Office
at (502) 238-5615.
Did you know?
A gift of…
• $500 will provide a 1-day
supply of produce for
our gorillas
• $250 could plant a tree that
will become part of our
browse garden for animals
• $100 could provide 200
lbs. of bananas for all
our animals
• $75 will provide a day’s
worth of fish for all seals and
sea lions in Glacier Run
• $25 will provide a
day’s worth of hay for
one elephant