A Lifetime of Memories at the Zoo

Mary Gray and her family arrived in Scottsdale in 1965. With seven children to keep entertained and occupied, the Zoo became a treasured retreat. "We all were especially drawn to and proud of the work being done with the Arabian oryx. And, Hazel, the resident gorilla, was a favorite," Mary says.

Many memories were made over the years at the Zoo, including several of her children attending Camp Zoo!

The tradition of education has always been important for Mary's family. In 1990, Mary, a widow, found love again and married widower, John Gray, who also had a connection to the Zoo. "He told me that he sat on a hill in 1962 with Robert Maytag and planned where to locate the perimeter fence. Then his company, John L. Gray Fence Inc. built that fence, and erected the original oryx breeding facility and exhibit."

John's company, and more recently Five G Inc. (John passed the company to his five children when he retired), were responsible for fencing the breeding facility for the black-footed ferret as well as exhibits for the Mexican gray wolf, American alligator and the Sumatran tiger. They also built the enclosure for the Bighorn sheep.

"John and my connection, and that of our families, with the Phoenix Zoo has been a joyous, growing and very blessed journey which I hope can continue long into the future," Mary adds.

To learn how you can continue your support for the Zoo into the future, contact Liz Toth at 602.286.3881 or ltoth@phoenixzoo.org.