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.

Bobbie's volunteer service varied throughout the years. She spent time in just about every educational program, including guiding school groups and being an active member of the Phoenix Zoo Auxiliary, but her love and passion was her involvement with the Zoo's puppet program.

Bobbie said of her puppeteer activities, "The response from the children who come to our show gives me such incredible satisfaction that it is hard to describe. You are a teacher, an entertainer and a friend; all in a period of half an hour. It's fantastic!"

As a longtime Zoo volunteer, Bobbie became a good friend of not only her fellow volunteers but of many of the Zoo staff. What is even more apparent are the number of children she reached and influenced to care for nature and the environment.

Given her commitment to the Zoo, Bobbie and her husband of more than 60 years, Alfred, decided to include the Zoo in their estate plans and set up a charitable gift annuity with the Zoo.

"I wanted to do something for the Zoo that gave me instant gratification, and setting up a gift annuity with the Phoenix Zoo gave me a financial and psychological reward. It seemed to be the perfect choice," Bobbie said.

Upon Bobbie's passing, the Zoo was notified that Bobbie had left a significant gift to the Zoo-approximately $500,000 to be designated for the Doornbos Volunteer and Administrative
Center. We miss seeing Bobbie and are saddened by her passing. We are honored that she chose to leave such a generous gift that Zoo staff and volunteers will benefit from for years to come.

Individuals who remember the Phoenix Zoo in their estate planning are qualified to become an elite member of the Antler Society. As a member of this Society, you will be recognized on the donor appreciation board and in Wild Times and will be invited to exclusive events for Guardian and Antler Society members.

To learn more about planned giving and ways to support the future of the Zoo, please contact Liz Toth at 602.286.3881 or ltoth@phoenixzoo.org.