We are honored to be able to do this work in Mom's name - to support this incredible venture for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo: the creation of a world-class Animal Health Center. We know that if Mom could be here to see this happen, she would be entirely thrilled at watching this project come to fruition.

But, she's not.

Mom left us on October 10th, 2020. She died after a long and hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's Disease, during the horrific Covid-19 pandemic which rendered her last months ever harder. We are sad, we are angry, but we are also hopeful - because if there is one thing we've learned from Mom, it is that there is hope to be found in science.

Mom was a self-declared science nerd. From studying biology in school to voraciously devouring her monthly National Geographic and Science and Smithsonian magazines, from watching the Cosmos with Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson to obsessing over pictures of the Mars Rover, Mom was always on the cutting edge when it came to scientific progress, discoveries and research. 

Mom was the same way when it came to her support of zoos in general, and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in particular. She brought us there from the time we were very little, and it was on these visits that we saw the most joy in Mom. We delighted in traveling with Mom to different zoos around the country; our cabinets and drawers are still full of the mugs and t-shirts she brought back with her from the San Diego, Bronx, National Zoos and so many more.

This project speaks to the very best of Mom. As a part of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, it allows us to support a place that was very special to her. As an Animal Health Center, it allows us to pay tribute to her interest in science. And as a place that will support the furthering of research,  it means Mom can continue to give back to the scientific communities in ways most important to her: by supporting the advancement of scientific discoveries, in hopes of preventing illness and disease. 

It is not lost on us that Mom died at around the same time as Batu and Ajay. In a selfish way, we are glad she was spared that news. But if the work the new Animal Health Center will do could prevent future loss in our animal family, we can't think of a better way to pay tribute to this most amazing woman. 

Thank you for considering adding your donation to our gift. Next time you're at the zoo, take a walk past the elephants and the wolves, and be sure to give Mom a wave.