Gift 
Clarence Zacher
Clarence Zacher was a simple and humble man who had a lifelong love for the Saint Louis Zoo.
During a visit to the Zoo with his mother in 1942, 9-year-old Clarence starred in a short film called A Day at the Zoo. That experience began an insatiable thirst for knowledge of many things, the wonders of the animal kingdom always the foundation.
In 2008, Clarence called the Zoo after reading about its work with endangered hellbenders. After visiting the Zoo's Ron Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation, Clarence gave a gift to help construct the outdoor streams and propagation rooms for the hellbenders.
After reading more articles, Clarence visited the Zoo again, and other gifts followed - for the benefit of painted dogs, black rhinoceroses and the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute. During one of his visits, he met National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore. Upon learning that Clarence was a generous donor to the hellbenders, Joel insisted on having their picture taken together, overwhelming Clarence with his appreciation.
Clarence passed away in early 2018. On what would have been his 85th birthday, his family met at the Zoo to celebrate his life and his values. Tears and laughter were shared as they recalled special times with Clarence and his childlike wonder at nearly everything, but especially science- and animal-related topics.
The Zacher family established an endowed fund to honor Clarence that encompasses all of his animal interests. "Dad always liked to help the 'down-and-outers,' those who barely had a fighting chance." The fund will support the Zoo's work with protecting and propagating endangered species.
The Saint Louis Zoo is grateful to Clarence Zacher and his family for the joy of getting to know him and celebrating his life through this memorial fund . His legacy lives on through the animals helped in his name.
You can honor someone who shares your love of the Zoo with a planned gift . To learn more, contact the Planned Giving Office at [email protected] or (314) 646-4973.
Clarence Zacher's love of animals and legacy at the Zoo will live on thanks to his gifts and the gifts his family made in his honor
