Gift Planning

Heritage Guild

Continuing a Tradition of Support That Began With a Roar

It was the roar of a lonely lion – an animal in need of a home at the close of a world exposition in Balboa Park – that motivated physician Dr. Harry Wegeforth, affectionately known as “Dr. Harry”, to found the Zoological Society of San Diego in 1916. Although Dr. Harry’s dream was initially dubbed “Dr. Harry’s folly” by a handful of detractors, his tenacity and his vision of creating the most innovative and accomplished zoological organization in the world eventually won the overwhelming support and generosity of the community. Today, the Zoological Society, with its San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES), is a world leader in conservation, education, and family recreation, in large part because of the unflagging community support, which often comes to us through planned gifts and bequests.

Recognizing “the Roar”

Whether we are reintroducing a California condor into its native habitat, sharing the wonders of wildlife with underprivileged children or making a scientific breakthrough by developing a life-saving milk formula for giant panda cubs, the long-term support generated through gift planning is necessary to maintain our tradition of excellence and to help us leave a wildlife legacy for future generations. The Heritage Guild was established to honor and thank our friends who have included the Zoological Society of San Diego in their plans. They have done so by naming the Zoological Society of San Diego beneficiary to wills, living trusts, IRA's, and other life-income gifts.

Benefits For Supporting Our Future

In addition to the prestige that is associated with being a member, the Heritage Guild offers many special benefits like:

  • an invitation to an annual Guild event,
  • recognition in ZOONOOZ magazine,
  • an attractive membership certificate,
  • invitations to exclusive insider functions at the Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and more.

Becoming a Member

If you have included the Zoological Society of San Diego in your estate plans, you are eligible to become a member of the Heritage Guild. Please fill out the Heritage Guild Enrollment Form and send it back to us so we can recognize your support and say, “Thank you.” Your generosity helps us secure a future for our Zoo, Wild Animal Park and our efforts to protect endangered plant and animal species and their precious habitats.

Yes, I have included the Zoological Society of San Diego in my plans and would like to become a member of the Heritage Guild.

Zoological Society of San Diego
Office of Gift Planning
P.O. Box 120551
San Diego, CA 92112
(619) 744-3352 | Fax: (619) 744-3345
E-mail Us

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