Furthering a Legacy of Caring and Generosity

Marion and Mylo Charlston, admired for spontaneous acts of generosity, have made a purposeful plan to extend their love for animals beyond their lifetimes.

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.

Marion and Mylo met while working at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and married in 1943. After Mylo returned from serving in World War II, they started Charlston Construction, Inc., which built many of Seattle's homes. As newlyweds who adored animals, they lived near Woodland Park Zoo and enjoyed evening walks through the beautiful grounds. Years later, they attended the Jungle Party auction, where they met Bruce Bohmke, the zoo's chief operations officer, and his wife, Mary. Mary recalls how sharing a table with the Charlstons begat a long and wonderful friendship.

Marion and Mylo were dedicated zoo supporters for decades. From donating a giant teddy bear with hand-sewn fishing outfits to Jungle Party, to making capital gifts they gave to areas of our zoo where funds were most needed. They cared deeply about wildlife and habitats, and believed it was important to carry forward these values in their giving—including an incredibly generous estate gift that will support new exhibits and animal care.

Thank you, Marion and Mylo, for your profound generosity and caring toward Woodland Park Zoo over the years and in your estate plans. Your legacy gift will support the animals that you loved and bring extraordinary experiences to millions of children and families long into the future.