COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Riverbanks Zoo has received the single largest donation in its 37-year history. The more than $860,000 gift was given to the Riverbanks Society, the non-profit that supports the Zoo and Garden.

The gift comes from the Charitable Remainder Trust of Melinda Poole Grizzell. According to the Zoo, Grizzell - an active member and supporter of the zoo - moved to South Carolina from San Diego with her family a little more than 20 years ago.  She passed away on January 30.

“Our grandfather, HM Poole, donated to and served as a board member for the San Diego Zoological Society. We believe his love for giving contributed to the compassion she had for others,” says Andrew Grizzell, Grizzell’s son.

“We are so proud of her generosity and feel that this is the time for others to witness what a wonderful caring person she was,” says Emilie Jeffries, Grizzell’s daughter. 

“We are grateful and humbled by Ms. Grizzell’s ultimate show of support,” said Satch Krantz, executive director of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Her legacy has come at a critical point in Riverbanks’ history. We currently face a number of infrastructure needs, and at the same time, it has been 10 years since we added any major new exhibits.”

Riverbanks officials say they are working to determine the best use of the funds.

Click here for more information about the Riverbanks Society.