Meet Our Donors

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists

Woodland Park Zoo volunteer Carol Proesel’s lifelong passion for animals makes her an ideal member of the zoo family. After retiring from Northern Trust and relocating to Seattle from Chicago, Carol was skeptical that any zoo could meet her high expectations set by her beloved Lincoln Park Zoo, where she spent countless hours volunteering.

Cathy and Bill Herzig

Cathy Herzig’s passion for helping animals in the wild and her need to make a difference in the world has always served as her North Star.

Gary Kunis

Gary Kunis is the kind of person who says it like it is with no holds barred. He is the one person you would want on your side, no matter what the cause. The type of person who fights for what he believes in and who will take the tough stance.

Life is Full of Surprises

Lilly Kassos was full of surprises. From driving around West Seattle in her little red sports car, to opening up a hair salon and becoming an extremely successful businesswoman, to exploring her talents in Japanese sumi art, Lilly kept her friends wondering what she would do next!

Connections With Animals Deepen Over a Lifetime

Patty Edwards recalls fond memories of her visits to Woodland Park Zoo while growing up in Seattle. Never owning pets in her youth, Patty's deepest bonds with animals—felines, in particular—were forged later in life.

The Ripple Effect: How the Love of One Animal Can Impact Thousands

Nancy and Mark Pellegrino share a passion for the zoo's mission that began well before setting foot on our 92 acres, as it grew naturally from a deep love of animals both domestic and wild.

Reflecting on Meaningful Values: Zoo's 'Urban Oasis' Helps Instill Life Lessons

In her first Seattle apartment, coincidentally across the street from Woodland Park Zoo, Maureen Harley awoke each day to the sounds of wildlife, peppered with an occasional lion's roar.

Is Your Zoo Reflection Your Community?

At Woodland Park Zoo, the impact of legacy gifts can be seen all over the zoo. Most legacy gifts are placed in our endowment to benefit our animals, exhibits, educational programs and field conservation programs. We also welcome discussions about specific areas of interest.

Trailblazer Creates Legacy to Save Species

Lillian Hagener Bell was a trailblazer in many ways. From her beginnings in Silverdale,Washington, as part of the first set of twins born in that region, to her decision to enter the Marine Corps in the 1950s, Lillian was a leader right from the start.

Floyd Udell Jones

"Against all odds, I've lived the American dream, you could say." Floyd lived well, indeed. As many people helped Floyd along his path, he felt that he wanted to do the same.

Jill Walker

From the first moment you meet Jill, she exudes true warmth and caring, which explains why she is so deeply engaged with Woodland Park Zoo. She speaks fondly about growing up in a home with multiple cats, a hamster and a pet skunk, Chanel (as in No. 5), and how her parents encouraged her to learn how to care for all animals. "Growing up in that environment made it a natural thing—animals were always part of the equation."

Furthering a Legacy of Caring and Generosity

On a whim, Marion and Mylo Charlston left their favorite server a $10,000 tip just before her wedding when they knew she was struggling financially. There are countless other examples of their spontaneous generosity, including how they underwrote their postman's trip to Europe with his daughter, and how they bequeathed "Cecil the Diesel," Marion's beloved 1964 Mercedes Benz coupe, to their longtime friend and gardener.

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