Planned Giving

Testimonials

“To me, the most amazing part of why I so love this beautiful Zoo is the kindness of the Zoo staff!” says Betty. “I became my Dad’s caregiver in 2000. My Dad took a turn for the worst and we went into Hospice when his doctors told us he maybe had 2 months to live, my dear sweet Dad beat the odds. [My husband] Rick was transferred to Hawaii, a move much too difficult for my Dad, so my Dad and I returned to Colorado Springs. My Dad became stronger each and every day, and one beautiful spring day I said, would you like to go to the Zoo, and his eyes lit up, my Dad was now 84! My Dad and I started going to the Zoo three days a week and he just thrived. My Dad and I (pictured to the right) would walk and ride the tram and the Zoo staff started noticing how frequently we came. I was so touched when they called us by name, it still brings tears to my eyes! At that moment I just fell in love with the Zoo! As the years ticked away, we rode the tram almost all the time and the tram would stop so we could sit on the bench and enjoy the animals and then they’d stop and pick us up and continue our ride. The staff noticed my Dad’s decline and they told me to call their number when we came and they’d pick us up at the car. We felt like family! My dear sweet Dad passed away in 2010 at 90, and to think at the age of 80, Johns Hopkins Hospital gave my Dad 2 months to live! The doctors have said, he was a miracle to have survived his illness! I will never forget the kindness and the love shown to my Dad and to me by the amazing Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Staff! To be able to contribute now and at the end of my journey in life is so amazing.” ~ Betty

“We moved to Colorado Springs in 1980 and started coming to the zoo with our two young daughters. We have been members ever since,” says Cindi. “In our travels over the years, we have visited zoos all around the US, as well as in foreign countries. None can compare to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Its mountain setting and views are spectacular. All the animal encounters are up close and personal, and the keepers impart informative information every day about the animals in their care. Another impressive thing: the zoo grounds are always so clean. When we set up our will, we decided to allot a certain percentage to several programs we are passionate about. We chose Cheyenne Mountain Zoo because of its leadership in conservation, both in breeding and animal care, as well as in the wild.” ~ Jo and Cindi Carrol

“There were three reasons I wanted to leave the Zoo in my estate plan. First was fond memories. I began visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in the 1970s when vacationing here with my parents. The Zoo was always my favorite plane to go and it made a lasting impression. I became a patron member shortly after moving to Colorado Springs. Second, I have a passion for animals and the Zoo can help create a similar appreciation for the animals and animal conservation. Finally, it is important to give back to the community in which we live. Colorado Springs is a wonderful place to live and I feel it is important to balance estate plans to include organizations that have made a difference in my life and the local community.” ~ Bill Ryan

In 2000, after the loss of a dear friend of the Zoo, one of the first planned gifts was made to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Endowment Fund. When that friend, Bob Ramsay, put the Zoo in his will, he would have had no idea the impact it would make twenty-one years later. To this day, and for generations to come, Bob’s planned gift will make a difference in conservation, education and animal care. Planned gifts- gifts that are made through your will or estate plan- are a way to maximize your support of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Because all planned gifts go directly into the Zoo’s Endowment Fund, they are invested and overseen by a group of experts- and their earnings will help support the Zoo’s general operating budget, special projects, and more, into perpetuity. Since it was given, Bob’s generous gift has almost doubled. His planned gift has helped us to fund things from conservation efforts to Zoo improvements and staff training. The best part is that Bob’s gift will remain in our Endowment Fund, with a percentage of the investment returns being allocated to the Zoo each year. Says his wife, Susie, “Bob provided for the Zoo’s Endowment Fund because he was all about helping organizations that he cared about to have strong financial standing. He was a big supporter of the Zoo, as well as other Colorado Springs organizations. He loved being involved in the community he called his home.” Though Bob is no longer with us, his legacy always will be.

Michelle Bennewitz grew up in Colorado Springs and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has always had a special place in her heart. When asked why she and Scott (her husband) chose to support CMZoo with a planned gift, her answer was simple: their daughter, Makena. “We became members shortly after Makena was born – about 22 years ago. Our visits, though long distance to us, were special moments when Makena could go and enjoy the animals as we did. As she got older, she realized her “dream job” would be to work at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo someday. She is currently studying Education at UCCS, where she can use her skills to teach children about animals and conservation. She strives to move over to Pikes Peak State College in the Fall of 2024 (after graduating from UCCS) and pursue an Associates in Zookeeper Technology to continue that dream. What truly inspired us to decide to include CMZoo in our estate planning was Makena. She’s taught us so much about conservation in her short years on this earth. She has been a true lover of animals and wants to do everything she can to help them. Her love of this zoo is beyond what I could ever explain. It is her “Happy Place.” It seems fitting to do something for someone you love, and as much as Makena loves animals – all animals – we love seeing a place she loves continue to grow and thrive. If our donation can help just a little, we know it makes her smile even more.”

While treating Lucky to some of her favorite snacks, Melanie shared why she loves Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and what inspired her to become a member of the 1926 Society. “I’ve been visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo since as far back as I can remember, probably 1980! During my early 20’s I went through Pikes Peak Community College’s Zookeeping Program. In my Elephant Management class, I learned so much about elephants and came to admire CMZoo and its keepers for the amount of care and love they provide the “Golden Girls” – and every animal at the Zoo. The Zoo has changed so much during my lifetime, especially the elephant exhibit. It just makes me so happy to know that every animal at the Zoo truly is living their best. Having gone through cancer treatment at a relatively young age, it impressed on me that none of us have any guarantees that we’ll be here for long. Part of my recovery process was coming to the Zoo first thing in the morning and walking up the hill to see the elephants. It was physically difficult at first, and very slow, but being at CMZoo, seeing and hearing the animals, really gave me the push I needed to get my stamina back. I plan to enjoy every day that I’m here, but I do acknowledge that one day I won’t be. I have included Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in my estate planning because of their absolute love and devotion for these animals, and their focus on their well-being. It gives me peace of mind knowing that even when I’m no longer physically here, I can still be a part of helping to take care of the Zoo residents and ensuring that their days are filled with as much fun, good health and tasty treats as possible.”