A Legacy That Started Decades Ago
Jayne and her husband, Robert, hold two of the animals they cared for in their home in 1962.
Can you imagine taking home and caring for a baby chimp or baby tiger? Well, that's exactly what Phoenix Zoo founder, Robert Maytag, asked of MaryJayne Rowe and her husband, Robert, back in 1962, while the Zoo was building its first habitats.
MaryJayne Rowe was one of the original supporters of the Zoo, doing whatever was asked of her and Robert to ensure the safety, health and happiness of the animals in our care.
Jayne holds two tigers at her home, where she was tasked with keeping them safe, happy and healthy while the Zoo was building its first habitats.
Sadly, Jayne, as she liked to be called, is no longer with us, but her love of our animals lives on through the legacy gift she left as a member of the Antler Society.
A baby gorilla sits in Robert's lap as it drinks from its bottle.
It was a great honor when we were notified that Jayne left most of her estate to the Zoo when she passed away in 2015. Her legacy gift will support the animals in our care and their habitats far into the future.
The Phoenix Zoo is proud to honor very special supporters, like Jayne, who have remembered the Zoo in their estate plans. Antler Society gifts fund conservation and education programs, enrich the lives of our animals, and will ensure financial sustainability for many generations to come.
Jayne plays with a baby tiger at her home.
Please consider making the Zoo a part of your legacy by joining the Phoenix Zoo's Antler Society.
If you have questions or would like to become a member and support the Zoo far into the future through a legacy gift, please contact Liz Toth at 602.286.3881 or ltoth@phoenixzoo.org.