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OBROARNNGEAUNTANS

Family Planning Spring Clean
Your Estate Plans
BABY Expectant mothers typically have a birth plan as they near their
BORN delivery date. So, too, do orangutans—or at least their animal care As the weather warms and the flowers begin
to bloom, it’s the perfect time to review and
specialists in zoos do. A comprehensive plan was in place when refresh your assets and beneficiary designations.
Sophia gave birth to a female in Tropic World last December 20. Her specialists were Family situations, asset values, tax laws, and
prepared for every eventuality, including the potential for handrearing if necessary. personal goals evolve with time, and spring is
a great opportunity to assess your estate plans,
Five offspring of Sophia’s preceded this birth, and all thrived under her care. (The ensuring they continue to reflect your wishes.
most recent baby, who has yet to be named, was sire Ben’s fourth.) However, the
situation might have turned out different. As a youngster, Sophia was handreared As you begin your “spring cleaning,” consider
and didn’t learn appropriate maternal care, but she underwent training here on how the following tips:
to be a good mom, and the training has paid off.
• If you haven’t already, establish a living
Training also went into Sophia’s preparation for this pregnancy. Under the will and/or power of attorney to make
guidance of animal care staff, she learned to urinate into a cup at the end of a stick known your wishes regarding medical
so endocrinologists could check hormones in the sample and also to hold still for a treatments and share your intentions with
portable ultrasound. the necessary parties.

Efforts like these are a necessity. Any birth among orangutans living in the zoo • Review beneficiary designations on life
population contributes to the genetic diversity within the population. Numbers of insurance policies and retirement accounts,
these animals in their native habitat of Sumatra and Borneo are plunging due to ensuring they coordinate with your will or
clear-cutting of their rain-forest trees for production of palm oil. The zoo population trust as part of a cohesive estate plan.
of these animals acts as a reservoir for the species and for its genetic diversity.
• Compile a list of user names and passwords
Zoo staff are doing their part to help save orangutans. We participate in the for electronic accounts, allowing a family
Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for them, member or trusted friend to access them.
with care specialist Nava Greenblatt serving on the SSP’s steering committee and
associate mammal curator Carol Sodaro acting as the program’s advisor on the daily Please consider including the Chicago
care of orangutans. Zoological Society in your estate plans. There
are several ways to provide for both the Society
The young of this species have a long childhood, giving the newcomer plenty of and your family with the same asset. For more
time to hang out with Sophia’s previous baby, 8-year-old Kekasih, and with 3-year- information, visit CZS.org/PlannedGiving or
old Kecil, who now lives with the family group. This summer, you can see the baby call (708) 688-8392.
beginning to climb off her mom and reaching out to Kekasih and Kecil.
The Chicago Zoological Society/
Brookfield Zoo cannot render tax or
legal advice, and the information
provided above is not intended as
such. Please seek the advice of estate
and tax professionals in developing
your estate plans.

BROOKFIELD ZOO | SUMMER 2017 9