Gift 
David L. Curtis and Judith P. Leonard
Saint Louis Zoo | Creating a Legacy:
The Story of Judy and David
David L. Curtis and Judith P. Leonard Endangered African Wildlife Conservation Fund
Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, David Curtis visited the Saint Louis Zoo as frequently as his family would allow when they came to see nearby relatives. These early Zoo outings had a great influence on David, contributing to a lifelong interest in African wildlife and culture. His family lived in Tripoli, Libya, for five years, and he has traveled in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lesotho, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania and Swaziland.
David served over 30 years as a minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) after earning his doctorate at Southern Methodist University. When he retired, he moved to St. Louis to be closer to his father and returned to his favorite zoo to share his passion for wildlife with others as a docent and tour guide.
He met Judy Leonard on a trip to Croatia. They have been partners since 2012 and have visited zoos across America, Canada and Mexico. Judy grew up in Milwaukee with a love of animals. After attending Antioch College, she earned a master's degree in mathematics at Saint Louis University and taught at McCluer High School for 30 years. She also helped advise and coordinate many math and science programs at University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis Public Schools and other local school districts.
Through their visits to zoos around the world and to Africa, Judy and David have deepened their understanding and appreciation for animals and their mutual concern for Africa's unique, but threatened, wildlife heritage. They especially value the WildCare Institute and its work to study and conserve endangered species and educate the public.
David said, "We established the David L. Curtis and Judith P. Leonard Endangered African Wildlife Conservation Fund in the hope that it will merge with many others and make a positive difference in conserving the beauty and diversity of African species."
Endowing your gift - as David Curtis and Judy Leonard have done - to the Saint Louis Zoo is easy. Contact the Planned Giving Office at (314) 646-4973 or [email protected] for details.
