Riverbanks Zoo Receives Private Gift of More Than $800K

Riverbanks Zoo received its largest private gift in its 37-year history. 

The Charitable Remainder Trust of Melinda Poole Grizzell recently donated an unrestricted gift of $863,000 to Riverbanks Society, the private, non-profit organization that supports the needs of the zoo and garden.

Melinda Poole Grizzell was a member of Riverbanks Zoo for 20 years and a supporter of the Riverbanks Society. She died in January. 

Grizzell always requested to remain anonymous when she made gifts in the past, but family members chose to announce her donation. 

“We are so proud of her generosity and feel that this is the time for others to witness what a wonderful caring person she was,” said Emilie Jeffries, Grizzell’s daughter. 

Family members say Grizzell developed a love for animals because of her father, who used to donate to the zoo in San Diego where they lived.

“Our grandfather, HM Poole, donated to and served as a board member for the San Diego Zoological Society," said Andrew Grizzell, Grizzell’s son. "We believe his love for giving contributed to the compassion she had for others.”

The gift comes at a "critical point" for Riverbanks Zoo, said Satch Krantz, executive director of the zoo. The zoo has several infrastructure needs, he said. It's also been 10 years since the zoo added a new exhibit. 

Zoo officials are priortizing the maintenance projects and new exhibits to determine the best use for the money. 

“We are grateful and humbled by Ms. Grizzell’s ultimate show of support,” Krantz said.