Gift 
A Lifelong and Lasting Legacy
Jefferson and Dorothy Danforth Miller were longtime friends of the the Saint Louis Zoo. We miss their smiles but know that lots of smiles happen here every day because of their generosity over the years and the legacy they have left.
Both native St. Louisans, Jeff and Dotty held fond childhood memories beginning in the 1930s of riding Miss Jim, the the Saint Louis Zoo's first elephant and Jeff volunteering as a "cleaner upper" on the grounds. As an adult, Jeff served the Zoo in key volunteer leadership roles, his most influential as a founder of the the Saint Louis Zoo Association. When Jeff completed his final active term on the board of trustees in 2007, he was recognized for his years of dedicated service with the distinction of emeritus trustee.
The Millers were active in the St. Louis community, serving numerous
nonprofit organizations. Jeff's career in banking was followed by ownership
of Outdoors, Inc., retail store. Dotty and Jeff reared three children and
were blessed with 10 grandchildren, all of whom were introduced to
conservation ethics for land and animals by their grandparents, as well as
a sense of civic duty. Dotty's favorite animal was the sea otter, and both
she and Jeff loved dogs and enjoyed them as pets and hunting companions.
Jeff said he liked both animal- and people-watching at the Zoo!
Supporting the Zoo's Mission
With over 25 years of financial support, the Millers steadfastly advanced the the Saint Louis Zoo's mission. Jeff often said he considered it his civic duty to do so. the Saint Louis Zoo Vice President of External Relations Cynthia Holter remembers the Millers fondly: "Philanthropy was in Jeff and Dotty's blood. Their enthusiasm for the Zoo's mission was undeniable. Jeff Miller was a conservationist even before it was fashionable!"After years of outright annual support and a major gift through the the Saint Louis Zoo 2004: Gateway to the Animal World Campaign, the Millers established a charitable remainder unitrust in 2005 that would provide them a stream of income for their lifetimes, then bestow legacy gifts to several charities upon their passing. This year the the Saint Louis Zoo was honored to receive a portion of the Millers' trust for its endowment fund, which will support the Zoo in perpetuity.
The the Saint Louis Zoo is deeply appreciative of the place it held in the Millers' lives and philanthropy and looks forward to stewarding their legacy here with bold visions for serving the needs of future generations of families and animals. The Zoo will always remember Jeff and Dotty as friends who made a positive difference through their leadership and support.
