Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Charlene Jendry leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium rooted in compassion, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of human connection. What began in 1979 as volunteer service as a Zoo docent, driven by her love of meeting people, grew into a lifelong commitment that helped shape the Zoo’s global conservation efforts.
A quiet, early encounter at the gorilla habitat sparked a passion that led Charlene to join the Zoo staff as a gorilla keeper in 1984. In 1991, she became the first zookeeper selected by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International to participate in a six-month field research internship in Rwanda, where she worked alongside local trackers and conservation partners at the Karisoke Research Center.
That experience fundamentally shaped Charlene’s understanding that conservation succeeds when people and wildlife are supported together. She went on to co-found Partners In Conservation (PIC), a Zoo program grounded in partnership, respect, and shared solutions. During her time with PIC, more than $6 million was raised and directed to conservation and humanitarian efforts in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, helping protect mountain gorillas while improving lives through education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
For more than 30 years, PIC has continued as the Zoo’s longest-running conservation program, building on the foundation Charlene helped establish. Even in retirement, Charlene remained closely connected to Rwanda, maintaining friendships and relationships that reflected her belief that conservation is, at its heart, about people.
Those wishing to honor Charlene’s legacy are invited to make a memorial contribution below in support of conservation efforts that reflect her life’s work and values.
Memorial Contributions Support the Ubumwe Community Center
Memorial gifts made through this page will be directed to the Ubumwe Community Center (UCC), a conservation-focused project that was deeply meaningful to Charlene.
Located near Rwanda’s remaining mountain gorilla habitat, the Ubumwe Community Center empowers people with disabilities through vocational skills training, basic education, and inclusive schooling. Each year, UCC supports more than 900 individuals with disabilities and educates hundreds of children in inclusive classrooms where students of all abilities learn side by side.
In partnership with the Columbus Zoo, UCC also integrates wildlife conservation into its curriculum, emphasizing the importance of protecting mountain gorillas and their habitats. This work reflects Charlene’s lifelong belief that conservation succeeds when people are supported, respected, and included.
