Back in 1972, the Columbus Zoo was just a small collection of animals, cared for by an even smaller team of dedicated staff. Director Mel Dodge had a vision, but he needed help. Enter a young budget analyst from the City of Columbus, recruited by Mel to prepare the budget for the Zoo…and the rest, as they say, is history.

Kathy Koblentz never looked back after that day and, for over 40 years, she and her family dedicated themselves to serving this organization that holds a very dear place in their hearts.

Bob Koblentz, Kathy’s loving husband since 1973, reflected on the beginning of their Zoo journey. “We both grew up with animals in our homes; we had dogs and cats when our children were young so animals were just always important to us,” he said. “Most people don’t have the opportunity to travel to Africa to see gorillas, lions, and giraffe in their native habitat, so having a zoo in the community allows for more people to connect with wildlife and learn the importance of protecting each species.” Kathy, Bob and their children, Maureen and Rob, were able to travel (alongside then Zoo director, Jerry Borin, and his daughter, Christy) to the Okavango Delta in Botswana in 1998. “It was the best trip we ever went on,” said Bob. “We were lucky to see so much wildlife. It was very special for us.”

Kathy dedicated much of her life to the Zoo, from Zoo committee work to becoming the first female president of the board of directors; the list of her accomplishments is extensive. She was even named an honorary docent, but she still went on to become an official docent after completing the rigorous training. However, she was always humble in her many accomplishments. “Kathy was proud of the evolution of the Zoo,” Bob said. “Everything they do at the Zoo is phenomenal. It is truly a positive influence in the world.”

Bob’s eyes light up when he talks about his wife. “Kathy just loved people and animals,” he said. “There wasn’t one thing in particular she was proud of during her time with the Zoo. She just loved being at the Zoo.” Kathy passed away in the fall of 2017, and Bob chose to honor her with a transformational gift to the Columbus Zoo through the Zoo’s Connecting People and Wildlife campaign in support of the elephant herd in Asia Quest. “She loved every animal at the Zoo, and especially the elephants,” Bob said. “It just seemed right to honor her in this special way.”

Thank you Bob, Maureen and Rob, for recognizing Kathy as a beacon of hope for wildlife and a true champion for animals around the world.