Longtime Supporter and Volunteer Makes Estate-Plan Gift to Benefit
“Magnificent Zoo”

Judy Palmer

A lunch hour break from my office to see the visiting koalas at the Indianapolis Zoo, then located on East 30th Street, introduced me to the wonders of this magnificent institution dedicated to “empowering people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation.” Even with that first visit, it was clear to me that this was truly a special place.

The development of White River State Park provided an opportunity for the Zoo to relocate and expand. Today it is a living testament to those whose vision, dedication, and generosity provided the catalyst and support for these advancements. The Indianapolis Zoo remains the largest privately funded zoo in the United States. Upon retirement, I signed up as a Zoo volunteer. Rolling up sleeves to work regularly scheduled shifts, special events, and other duties is one way of immediately giving back. But I wanted to do something more to contribute to the longer-term future of the Indianapolis Zoo. The answer for me was a planned gift.

The development of my estate plan came together easily as I reflected on the things that are most important to me in life—namely, faith, family, friends, and organizations close to my heart. Making the Indianapolis Zoo a part of my estate plan gives me joy and hope for the future. One hundred years of private funding has resulted in a magnificent Zoo, one which contributes to restoring animal species, protecting rainforests, and a much shorter list of endangered species.