Gift Planning with the Oregon Zoo

Thank you for your interest in gift planning to benefit the Oregon Zoo. Your investment means a great deal to your Zoo - to the many rare and endangered species the Zoo strives to protect, to children of all ages who learn about the natural world at the Zoo and to the future generations who will enjoy our wonderful Zoo.

A planned gift may also benefit you by reducing estate, gift and current income taxes, and help you meet your financial goals while providing a steady source of income to you or your loved ones.

The Wildlife Legacy Society was established to recognize those who include The Oregon Zoo Foundation in their estate plans. We want to say "thanks" today for your future investment. Learn more about the benefits of Wildlife Legacy Society membership.

Ways to Guarantee the Future

The information on this page is not intended as professional or legal advice.

Bequest: Create a legacy by naming The Oregon Zoo Foundation in your will for a specific amount, a percentage of the total estate, or the residue of the estate.

Charitable Gift Annuity: Receive lifetime payments as well as tax savings while you support your Zoo. Transfer cash or securities to the Zoo Foundation, and receive fixed annuity payments for life.

Life Estate Agreement: Deed your residence to the Zoo Foundation now, enjoy an immediate income tax deduction, and continue to live at that residence for the rest of your life.

Life Insurance Policy: Donate a policy that is no longer needed for family protection or establish a new policy with the Zoo Foundation as beneficiary and deduct the annual premiums. Nancy Parr helps guarantee the future of Zoo education programs - read more.

Charitable Remainder Trust: Give a gift of cash, securities or real estate to fund a trust that provides you income and names The Oregon Zoo Foundation as the remainder beneficiary. Marti Rhea supports the Zoo's conservation efforts through her charitable remainder trust - read more.

Retirement Plan: Designate the Zoo Foundation as beneficiary of a plan such as a 401(k) or IRA. Long-time Zoo friend Al Gabel demonstrates his love for animals by designating the Zoo as beneficiary of his retirement plans - read more.

Wildlife Legacy Society ...
The Benefits are Many

The Wildlife Legacy Society has been established so we may thank you today for the support you will be providing for the Zoo tomorrow. Individuals naming The Oregon Zoo Foundation in their estate plans, even though revocable, are eligible for membership. Recognition includes:

• Prominent recognition in Oregon Zoo Tracks newsletter
• Invitations to select special events and exhibit previews
• Unique recognition award as an affiliation memento

In addition, irrevocable planned gift arrangements of $50,000 or more will be permanently recognized on the Zoo Donor Wall. Of course, your arrangements will be kept confidential and any wish for anonymity will certainly be honored.

Nancy Parr of Beaverton

"The Oregon Zoo became part of my life when I started volunteering in 1992. While still working full time, I helped with ZooLights, events and summer concerts. And, you could find me just about every Sunday volunteering in the petting zoo with the pygmy goats - a favorite of mine.

Since I have retired, my horizons have been expanded, to working in the elephant barn, as well as with the Head Start Zoomobile program that takes animals to schools.

The Zoo has become a huge part of my life over the years. In appreciation, I have designated it as the beneficiary of my annuities. My hope is that future generations will have opportunities to learn about the wonderful animals, and that the Zoo's outreach programs will continue to provide educational opportunities."

Marti Rhea of Portland

"Over the twenty years that I have been photographing animals in wilderness locations, I have witnessed a contraction in the home range and population of many species, as land has been appropriated to accommodate the demands of an expanding human population.  This and other alarming trends affecting wildlife, have transformed zoos into center-stage participants in species-survival programs.

As a volunteer at The Oregon Zoo, I have been privileged to work with professionals who are passionate in their efforts to ensure the future viability of wildlife.  The Oregon Zoo is recognized for its leadership role in improving living conditions of captive animals, in protecting threatened and endangered species, and in building public awareness of how all of us can make a difference in sustaining species diversity on the planet.

In addition to volunteering my time, I include The Oregon Zoo Foundation in my annual gift giving and have named The Foundation as a beneficiary in my retirement plan and in a charitable remainder trust.  Please join me in financially supporting the Zoo to ensure the continuation of its exemplary programs that benefit wildlife worldwide."

Al Gabel of Portland

What better way to demonstrate my personal fondness and love for animals - and to do my part to make a difference! I hope that my efforts, along with those of others, will help guarantee that our Zoo will continue to be recognized as a world leader in animal conservation and as a wonderful resource for family recreation and education."