For some people, a love of animals begins with a single moment. For others, it grows steadily over a lifetime. For Sherry Mullett, that spark started early and never stopped burning.

“Growing up in the country, I always had a passion for animals,” she shared. “I was fascinated by the cows on my uncle’s dairy farm, made pets of the sheep next door, and always had a dog or cat by my side.”

That early connection was nurtured through family trips to the Cleveland Metropark Zoo and Akron Zoo, summer visits to Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, and evenings spent watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. But it was a formative experience as a young adult that would shape her lifelong commitment to conservation.

While participating in a college program in Tanzania, Sherry had her first opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat. “I was able to meet conservationists and community leaders and truly understand how fragile the future was for many species,” she said. “Population growth, habitat loss, and poaching were already taking a toll.”

That experience ignited a passion that has guided her ever since.

As the years went on, Sherry continued to seek ways to support wildlife conservation, developing a particular affection for big cats. Her interest eventually led her to the work of the Cheetah Conservation Fund and to meaningful, hands-on experiences in Namibia. “Seeing the work firsthand made the need even more real,” she said. “The progress was inspiring, but so was the understanding of how much more still needed to be done.”

When Sherry later moved to Columbus, her connection to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium quickly deepened. She became a Zoo member, watched the campus evolve, and found herself increasingly inspired by the organization’s growing conservation impact.

“What stood out to me was how much the Zoo does, both locally and globally,” she said. “Supporting the Zoo means supporting a wide range of conservation efforts that are carefully vetted and truly making a difference.”

Through animal encounters, educational programs, and special experiences at both the Zoo and The Wilds, Sherry found meaningful ways to stay connected to wildlife and to share that passion with others. She also became a Zoo Docent in 2012, a role she describes as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.

“I see the same spark in our guests that I felt as a child,” she said. “When people learn about the animals and their stories, something changes. The more you know, the more you care.”

That belief eventually led Sherry to think more deeply about how she could make an even longer-lasting impact. After years of supporting conservation through donations and volunteerism, she began exploring ways to extend that support beyond her lifetime.

“I wanted to make sure my commitment to protecting wildlife would continue,” she explained. “The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium felt like the right place to do that.”

Working closely with the Zoo’s philanthropy team, Sherry helped establish the Endangered Cat Conservation Endowment. Through careful planning and personal dedication, the endowment became a reality, supporting conservation work for some of the world’s most vulnerable cat species. One of its first grants supported research on the elusive flat-headed cat and endangered leopard cat in Borneo, helping fund camera traps and field studies that continue today.

“Knowing that this work will continue long after I’m gone gives me tremendous peace of mind,” Sherry said. “It means the animals I care about will still have a voice.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that conservation takes many forms, from everyday acts of support to thoughtful legacy planning. Through her generosity, passion, and belief in the mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Sherry has helped ensure a future where wildlife can thrive.

For those inspired by her journey, Sherry offers simple encouragement: “If you care deeply about something, explore the ways you can support it. The Zoo’s philanthropy team can help you find a path that aligns with your values. It’s one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve ever made.”

Her legacy, like the animals she champions, will continue to make a difference for generations to come.