26 • The Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Spring 2016
SUPPORT YOUR ZOO!
Raising Awareness...
and Support
Donor Spotlight: Jessica Thompson
The Louisville Zoo is proud to be the “State Zoo
of Kentucky” and is grateful to the thousands
of families, individuals, companies and foundations that choose to make a gift in support
of our mission to “better the bond between
people and our planet.”
Below, Zoo member, donor, advocate
and volunteer Jessica Thompson
shares more about her experiences
at the Louisville Zoo, why the Zoo
is important to her, and why others
should consider making a gift to
support the Annual Fund, Zoofari or
other special projects at the Zoo.
Why did you choose
to support the Zoo?
I try to mentor people in the same
way I’ve been mentored and
encourage others to be communityminded. Friends of the Zoo board
members donate their talent to
produce two huge fundraising events,
Zoofari! and Brew at the Zoo each
year. I was convinced enough that if I
could be part of raising money for the
Zoo and join in the event planning
(which I enjoy) it would be a nice
way to get involved without feeling
overwhelmed, to see what I could do
and meet new friends.
What was your first experience
like at the Louisville Zoo?
Amazing. I grew up with a huge love
for animals. My husband Mac and I
have two dogs, both rescues, both
special needs. The Zoo was happy to
address my concerns by introducing
me to staff members and keepers
who were excited to demonstrate
some of their daily animal enrichment
activities and roles they play in
keeping their animals safe and
healthy. Their dedication to the care
of these animals is simply incredible.
They are the rock stars of the Zoo.
Jessica Thompson and California sea lion, Kahula
What do you like best about
the Zoo?
It’s a learning experience. I learn
something different every time I visit.
Is there one happy Zoo
moment that sticks out
most in your mind?
The celebration event of Operation
Snowflake (the rescue operation to
bring the abandoned polar bear cub
from Alaska to Louisville). Seeing
Qannik’s safe homecoming to Glacier
Run was emotionally overwhelming
for me. Qannik brought so many
people together. The event gained
national attention from scientists,
representatives from other Zoos
and the UPS logistics team — even
the pilot that brought her here to
Louisville was at the event. Qannik’s
arrival in Louisville was an honor
and a testament to the innovative
new Glacier Run exhibit. It gave me
a sense of pride. This is why we do
what we do.
Describe your experience
as a donor. How do you know
(or feel) your gift is making
a difference?
I’ve always felt a strong appreciation
and connection to the Zoo through
my work here. I am encouraged
to visit often and to see my gift in
action by observing School at the
Zoo, behind the scenes tours with
my family, conversations with staff,
special events and receptions, and
other unique interactions with the
animals. I’ve shared these experiences
with other people. I get to see kids
light up and hear the thanks from
their parents. You see people posting
about their experience on Facebook
and you think, “YES! They’re having a
great time at the Zoo!”
Why would you encourage
other people to support
the Zoo?
You learn so much! Supporting the
Zoo has taught me new skills I can
apply elsewhere — things I can’t learn
sitting behind my desk at work. I love
the animals and knowing we have
given them a nice comfortable home
where they are safe and healthy. I
love seeing their characters grow and
witnessing how well-adjusted they are
here. Seeing these things, you know
you must be doing something right!
It’s incredibly satisfying to feel part
of the Zoo family. Every gift made —
time, talent or treasure — makes a
difference in helping fulfill the mission
of the Louisville Zoo.
Everyone has a Zoo story.
We’re incredibly thankful to
Jessica for taking time to share
hers with us. If you would like
to learn more about making a
gift in support of your Zoo or
would like to share your Zoo
story, please contact Kelly Grether,
Director of Development, at
[email protected]
or by calling 502-238-5615.
You can also visit
Louisvillezoo.org/support to
make a gift today.