banner - friends of the ZOO, highlighted Louisville in brown box, Raising Funds to Preserve a Legacy with light tan background color

Friends of the Louisville Zoo

Established in 1969, the Friends of the Louisville Zoo (FOZ) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to raising funds to preserve, promote, and advance the mission of the Louisville Zoo. For more than 50 years, the FOZ Board has been composed of individuals passionate about animals, conservation, and creating meaningful experiences for Zoo visitors.

Over the decades, FOZ’s support has played a transformational role in shaping the Zoo’s exhibits, educational offerings, and guest experiences. Their fundraising efforts have contributed to some of the Zoo’s most beloved and impactful projects, including Glacier Run, Gorilla Forest, Snow Leopard Pass, the Lakeside Bridge, the Sloth habitat and most recently the Animal Ambassador Program. These enhancements not only improve animal welfare and modernize habitats but also strengthen the Zoo’s role as a regional leader in conservation education.

If you are interested in supporting one of FOZ’s signature annual events through event sponsorship, volunteerism, or by contributing an item to the silent auction, or if you would like to inquire about board membership, please contact: FriendsoftheLouisvilleZoo@gmail.com

Summer Event Series

  • Zoofari:  Friday, June 12, 2026
  • Skelebration:  Wednesday, October 14, 2025

Friends of the Louisville Zoo Board

(updated Feb, 24, 2024)

Officers

  • Liz Pratt (President), LG&E and KU
  • Courtney Graham (President-elect), Strause Law Group, PLLC
  • Michael Kimble (Treasurer), Lumos Hospitality
  • Mary Pohl (General Council), Eternity Wellness

Members

  • Dr. Bruna Almeida, Venza Care
  • Jason Antony, Long John Silver’s
  • Debbie Beavin
  • Nick Beavin
  • Amanda Biven, Brown-Forman
  • Amanda Bray, Primrose School
  • Jesse Bray, JLL
  • Philip Britt, Humana, Inc.
  • Rachel Casey, Louisville Metro Government
  • Patrice McGee Combs, Kentucky Select Properties
  • Laura Clark, KCC Manufacturing
  • Dr. Rasean Crawley, RX Benefits
  • Dr. Jennifer Foreman, University of Louisville
  • Kelly Gerstle, Humana, Inc.
  • Maggie Goff, Yum Brands, Inc.
  • Courtney Graham, Kentucky Lottery Corporation
  • Amy Gumlaw Zeon Chemicals
  • Michael Harrell
  • Leah Joy, Mint Julep Experience
  • Michael Kimble, Lumos Hospitality
  • Christina King, St. Xavier High School
  • Kristin Knight
  • Sharron Kremer, United Parcel Service
  • Mikala Noe
  • Wesley Pagles, LOGS Legal Group
  • N’Namdi Paskins, Humana, Inc.
  • Stephanie Peeler, Independence Bank
  • Marty Pohl, Eternity Wellness
  • Liz Pratt, LG&E and KU
  • Robin Raypole, Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company of Kentucky
  • Woo Smith, Terracon
  • Phil Thompson, Papa Johns International
  • Matthew Whisman, Jefferson County
  • Anthony Willinger, Monroe Shine & Co., Inc.
  • Eiman Zuberi, LG&E and KU