Gary Kunis

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. Lucky for us at Woodland Park Zoo, he believes in the work we do every day to save animals and their habitats, and to educate as many people as possible along the way.

Throughout his technology career, he has enjoyed such highlights as designing the NASA Program Support Communications Network Internet, contributing extensively on US Department of Defense projects, and playing an integral part in bringing the internet to the Northwest (from Alaska to Oregon, and out to North Dakota), and designing leading edge Internetworking and Operating Systems software. He has interacted with numerous tech luminaries known the world over for their innovation and philanthropy. Gary utilized his connections on the zoo’s behalf, facilitating a Wi-Fi network product grant in 2016 from Cisco that enabled the zoo to improve our visitor experience considerably as we reimagine the zoo experiences of the 21st Century.

When not pursuing other entrepreneurial interests, Gary is passionate about supporting civic institutions that present innovative learning opportunities to the greater community. He thinks the positive zoo environment fosters a natural atmosphere for learning. He knows that children grasp onto new ideas when concepts are brought to life outside school settings. Exposing more children from wider and more diverse populations to the wonders of wildlife and the science of their habitats is an area in which Gary wants to focus his efforts. Through further community engagement and outreach using such necessary social inclusion tools as translation and cultural awareness, he knows the zoo can have an even larger impact. On this path, Gary believes the zoo can become a conservation education thought leader and one of the foremost entities of change.

In his spare time, which there doesn't appear to be much of, Gary is a self-proclaimed explorer and incredibly talented photographer. On travels to everywhere from the Galapagos Islands, to Hong Kong, to Spain, Gary has the eye to capture breathtaking images. His photos of both animals in the wild and daily life in myriad cultures are stunning and truly depict fascinating moments in time that completely absorb the viewer.

Gary is an incredible philanthropist to have as a partner on our journey and we are grateful for his involvement with Woodland Park Zoo and his decision to include us in his estate plans. His legacy gift will ensure that he continues to be the advocate we need to tell our stories and support our work to change the world. Thank you Gary, for committing to being a tireless champion who makes our community even better for all people in the future.