Photo by Kmiecik Imagery
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Strong community support is critical to allowing Cosley Zoo to offer world-class visitor experiences, the best animal care, science-based education, impactful conservation initiatives, and an exciting future of growth in mission impart. Thank you!
Wildlife Champions Society
The Wildlife Champions Society is an annual giving society for philanthropic leaders of Cosley Zoo giving $1,000 or more per calendar year. The Society recognizes community members who help ensure the vitality and excellence of Cosley Zoo.
As key supporters, Wildlife Champions enjoy dialoguing with zoo leadership and other benefits:
- Invitations to exclusive events
- Complimentary zoo membership including a national reciprocity program
- Key zoo publications including the Cosley Tails newsletter
Become a Wildlife Champion today!
Cosley Zoo Legacy Society
Leave a Legacy of Inspiration
Inspire future generations to fall in love with animals and care for the natural world—right here in the heart of our community.
“Planting a tree today that will shade future generations—that’s what your legacy gift does for Cosley Zoo.” — Greg Bockheim, Zoo Director
Why Your Legacy Matters
Your Values. Your Community. Your Lasting Impact.
Cosley Zoo is a place where generations of families connect, explore, and grow together. When you include Cosley Zoo in your estate plans, you help:
- Protect wildlife and their habitats
- Keep the zoo welcoming and accessible to all
- Support hands-on programs that spark conservation values in children
- Sustain the zoo’s mission for generations to come
- A legacy gift to Cosley Zoo reflects your care—for animals, for nature, and for the community that treasures both.
Legacy Society Member Benefits
Recognition. Connection. Joy of Giving.
As a member of the Legacy Society, you’ll enjoy:
- Invitations to special events and behind-the-scenes experiences
- Personalized updates from zoo leadership
- Recognition in zoo communications (with permission)
- The lifelong joy of sustaining a beloved community treasure
“Each time I visit with my granddaughter, we discover something new and create lasting memories together. My gift ensures that future generations of families can experience the same joy and wonder.” — Jennifer Clark, Foundation Board Member
Ways to Give
Simple and Meaningful Legacy Gifts through the Cosley Foundation (Tax ID 36-3461739)
- Bequest in Your Will or Trust
- Retirement Plan Beneficiary (IRA, 401K)
- Life Insurance Beneficiary
- Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Beneficiary/Successor Advisor
- Charitable Trust
Let’s Talk!
We’re here to help you explore options that reflect your values and make the most of your legacy. For more information, please email [email protected].
We encourage you to consult your financial and legal advisors when planning a gift and designate all gifts to the Cosley Foundation (Tax ID 36-3461739) in your estate plans. Please note: Cosley Zoo, the Cosley Foundation, and their staff, board members, and volunteers are not certified financial or legal advisors; the information shared is for general guidance only.
Join the Cosley Zoo Legacy Society
Help care for animals, inspire wonder, and strengthen the bond between people and nature—for generations to come.
Questions?
Contact Jenny Ackerman at 630-510-4961 or [email protected].
We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. Donor information is used exclusively by Cosley Zoo and its Wheaton Park District affiliates.
This policy applies to all information received by Cosley Zoo, both online and offline, on any Platform (‘Platform’, includes the Cosley Zoo website and mobile applications), as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications.
To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.
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