Supporter Spotlight
By Lindsay Jarvis, Staff Writer
have enhanced her knowledge and deep appreciation for the country and its species, making her volunteer role at Rhino Savanna especially meaningful. Susan supports the Zoo not only through her time and expertise, but also graciously contributes as a monetary donor. When her parents began working with Karen Sausman at The Living Desert, they were the first sponsor of the Grevy’s zebra habitat. After they retired, Susan kept the momentum going by working with Karen to renovate the zebra habitat – her first financial contribution to the Zoo. “That’s what got me hooked on supporting this place, seeing it grow, and trying to promote conservation, preservation, and education so that people have a real experience when they come here,” says Susan.
Susan Cooper at Rhino Savanna
CONNECTED WITH The Living Desert since its inception, Susan Cooper’s passion for the desert and its precious species is shown through her incredible work as a volunteer, donor, past board member, campaign manager, and trustee. “When [The Living Desert] started with Karen Sausman [former CEO of over 40 years], my parents immediately became involved and supported it, and then I followed in their footsteps,” says Susan. After taking over for her father, Susan served as an esteemed board member for over 15 years and, before rotating off, she started on a new journey within The Living Desert. “I decided I needed to have my feet on the ground to see more about what I was governing. So, I applied for interpretive training to become a volunteer,” shares Susan. Since then, she has volunteered in numerous roles, including the Kraal, the Discovery Center, and the giraffe habitat. Susan is currently a Welcome Center Host and a Rhino Interpreter Volunteer – where she shares the story of critically endangered black rhinos, Jaali and Nia, and the threats that their species is facing. Susan’s travels to Africa throughout the years
Perhaps one of Susan’s most innovative and hands-on acts of giving is her leadership and commitment to the Living Legacy Endowment campaign, working as co-chair with BJ Skilling to raise $21 million in 2015. Recently, Susan has shown her support for African lions by giving to the Pride of the Desert Capital Campaign, underwriting one of the Animal Care Outpost facilities for specialized veterinary care. The Living Desert team is incredibly grateful for Susan’s ongoing impact at the Zoo, which can be seen all throughout the park. Whether she is helping guests have a Best Day Ever experience, sharing conservation stories, or supporting future projects, Susan’s legacy at The Living Desert continues to grow each day.
For more information about supporting Lion Ridge, please call Jeff Petrovic at (760) 346-9584. For more information about volunteering, please call (760) 773-4879 or visit LivingDesert.org/Volunteer.
18 foxpaws | SPRING 2024
