Fall 2014 PlatyPress is a newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle, composed of individuals, corporations and foundations who share our passion for supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo, conserving endangered animal species, and teaching the importance of preserving wildlife and its natural environment.
Creating a Conservation Bond
The Zoo’s red river hogs, Radish and Mango, made their debut in summer. The brothers are on display during warm weather next to the elephants, where their squeals can be heard across the Zoo when they’re not napping in the sunshine or rooting in the dirt. Over the years, the Martins have contributed to renovation of the giraffe exhibit, an exhibit at the Herb & Nada Mahler Family Aviary and the last two capital campaigns. Quinn, a retired partner at Quarles & Brady LLP in Milwaukee, is a longtime director and was founding president of the ZSM Associate Board, which plans fundraising events. He served on two master plan committees and was head of the search committee that hired Dr. Robert Davis, ZSM president and CEO. Quinn and Jane volunteered for many years with Zoo Ball, the ZSM’s largest annual fundraiser. “The red river hog exhibit is only the latest example of Quinn and Jane’s generosity,” Davis says. “They give not only financially but also with their time and talents.”
Jane’s interest in animals goes back to her childhood in Fond du Lac, where her father was a veterinarian. The Martins have visited zoos all over the world, even in Vietnam. They also support the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens in Naples, Fla., where they live much of the year. Photo by Bob Wickland.
hen the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) needed help bringing red river hogs to the Milwaukee County Zoo, it knew whom to call. Quinn and Jane Martin have supported the ZSM for nearly 30 years, whether it’s contributing to an exhibit renovation, serving on the board or helping with a fundraiser. The Mequon couple, a silver-level member of the Platypus Circle, generously donated funds to refurbish an exhibit for the hogs, despite knowing little about the animals. “It’s important to get new exhibits from time to time, and they are interesting creatures,” says Quinn.
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Quinn says his commitment to the Zoological Society comes from his strong belief that city dwellers, especially children, need a connection to nature. “It’s very important that there be a bond between our young people and conservation and animals,” he says. He also supports the ZSM’s education mission.
Above: Quinn and Jane Martin donated funds to refurbish an exhibit for the red river hogs. The Zoo’s red river hogs, Mango and Radish, are brothers who arrive d here from California.
Programs such as Animal Ambassador, which reaches schoolchildren in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, bring children to the Zoo who might not otherwise be able to visit. “That kind of outreach broadens the kids’ experiences and broadens their horizons,” he says. “They really absorb an enormous amount when it comes to those animals, and it will stick with them the rest of their lives.” By Stacy Vogel Davis