Gift 
A Scientist, Storyteller, and Champion for Conservation: Meet Libby Yunger
When you meet Libby, you quickly sense her passion-for science, for animals, and for conservation. With a PhD in Neuroscience and a career as a research biochemist, Libby spent her days steeped in analysis, discovery, and problem solving. When she retired in 2009, she was ready to channel her curiosity and expertise into something new. "I knew I wanted to volunteer and talk about conservation," she reflects. "Becoming a docent at the Zoo was the perfect way to do that."
Her inspiration reaches back to childhood visits to the Cleveland Zoo, where Frieda the elephant captured her imagination. Later, during docent training at the Saint Louis Zoo, she remembers watching young elephants Maliha and Jade splashing happily in their waterfall. Those joyful moments reaffirmed her belief in the importance of connecting people and animals.
Today, you're likely to find Libby near the peccary exhibit in River's Edge, inviting guests to step closer and learn about these fascinating animals. She relishes sparking "good conversations" with visitors-discussions that, in her words, "get people to think more deeply about what's important." She also loves the Zoo's Cypress Swamp, where the immersive setting tells the story of wetlands and the critical role they play in sustaining life.
Another passion of Libby's is aviation. She is a proud member of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization founded in 1929 by 99 women pilots who, like her, love to fly. As a scientist and a pilot, Libby has a unique perspective, a literal bird's-eye view of our world. "We have to take care of our planet," Libby emphasizes. "We need to fit into our environment and not be at odds with it."
Libby's giving is a reflection of her values and her desire to make a difference, today and into the future. In addition to her membership in the Marlin Perkins Society, Libby is supporting the development of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park and the work of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, extending her reach locally and globally. A member of the Heritage Society, Libby also has included the Zoo in her estate plan to help sustain and strengthen our mission of Animals Always for years to come.
Libby's favorite shirt bears a quote by Charles Darwin: "The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man." It is a fitting motto for someone who lives this mission daily-whether it is engaging with Zoo guests in meaningful conversation or ensuring the Zoo's work will thrive for generations.
Discover the Difference YOU Can Make with Tax-Wise Planning
Did you know that the Saint Louis Zoo offers complimentary and confidential estate planning consultations to its friends?
Libby Yunger recently participated in the Zoo's estate planning program and was delighted to learn that she could make a bigger impact than she thought possible. "I learned about changes I could make to my trust and IRAs to reduce taxes and maximize bequests to charities, including the Zoo, and to my heirs," Libby shared with satisfaction. "It's a great program that could benefit other Zoo supporters."
If you would like to learn more or schedule an introductory meeting with our consultant, please contact Robin Kraujalis at 314-646-4973 or Lori Sullivan at 314-646-4509, or email [email protected] .
