Meet Our Donors

When a Passion for Animals Leads to a Life-Long Commitment to Their Future

“Wild animals have captured my imagination and given me joy for as long as I can remember. They have been one of the top passions in my life. It is from a grateful heart that I give back to them in this way.”

A health scare prompted Natalie Yarnal to leave a lasting legacy with the Phoenix Zoo, her favorite place to visit as a child and adult.

Attorney, Donor Dan Packard Helps Protect Phoenix Zoo’s Animals

Zoos have always held a special place in attorney Dan Packard’s heart. As an attorney, he found a way to volunteer and help the Phoenix Zoo. He took that generosity one step further by becoming a donor who wants to help protect and preserve the amazing animals living at the Zoo.

Peggy Herz and Colonel Phil Smith

Generous supporters Peggy Herz and Colonel Phil Smith were believers in the Phoenix Zoo’s great value from their very first visit. They thought to include the Zoo in their estate plan so future generations can enjoy all we offer as much as they have.

Protecting Animals and Children Became One Woman’s Mission

Esther Crabtree loved animals and children, so it was a natural fit for her to support the Phoenix Zoo during her lifetime and through her estate plan.

Finding Joy and Peace at the Zoo

Cyndi DeBoer began taking her son, Cody, to the Zoo when he was only 6 months old. Now, she's honoring his memory and the special times they shared there with a legacy gift.

Determined to Be the Best Volunteer

When Connie Pope became a volunteer at the Zoo she realized she "knew nothing about animals." So she decided to do whatever it took to become the best volunteer possible for a zoo she and her husband, Larry, had come to love.

Helping Others and Helping Animals

As a supporter of the ASPCA and the adopter of an orphaned baby elephant, it comes as no surprise that Bernice Grassel loves animals. Through her planned gift to the Phoenix Zoo, she's leaving a legacy that echoes her beliefs for generations to come.

Love of Wildlife Grows Into Lifelong Passion

Linda Budge has been fascinated with wildlife since her childhood visits to the zoo. Now, along with her husband, John, she has found a way to help fund conservation programs through the Phoenix Zoo for years to come.

Warren and Ghislaine Iliff’s Ark

On Warren and Ghislaine’s first date, they ended up making an emergency trip to the National Zoo, where Warren worked to save a sick gorilla. Their legacy of love for animals continues today thanks to their gift.

A Legacy That Started Decades Ago

Can you imagine taking home and caring for a baby chimp or tiger? Jayne and Robert Rowe were tasked with just that when the Zoo was starting out. See how Jayne is continuing to care for animals at the Zoo, even after her lifetime.

A Lifetime of Memories at the Zoo

Mary Gray and her family have made many memories at the Zoo since their arrival in Scottsdale in 1965. See how her connection to the Zoo has grown over the years.

Helping Make a Tangible Difference in Young Lives

Matt and Mary Palenica like to support local organizations that improve lives in the community. That's why the Phoenix Zoo is so important to them.

Meet Scott and Denise Mitchell

Scott and Denise Mitchell have been visiting the Zoo for nearly 15 years. Their commitment to the Zoo’s future is evident in the many ways they provide support.

Cindy Eckert-Timm and Damon Timm

Retired Mesa Public School teachers Cindy Eckert-Timm and Damon Timm enjoyed bringing their classes to the Zoo and watching children encounter the animals and connect with nature. Now they're ensuring that future generations of children will experience those same interactions.

Bobbie Dapeer

Longtime volunteer and Antler Society member, Bobbie Dapeer, passed away last summer just shy of her 92nd birthday. Bobbie had many friends at the Phoenix Zoo and volunteered here for more than 30 years.

Meet Jay and Dee Epstein

Jay and Dee Epstein are leaving their legacy through their financial support in annual and planned gifts. They are also leaving their legacy by teaching their children, grandchildren and future generations to care for the natural world.