BILLINGS, MT (October 20, 2025)
ZooMontana has received a gift of up to $500,000 in memory of long-time patron, Sue Bentley. The gift will directly support ZooMontana’s campaign to build a new Animal Health Center by matching any contributions made to the zoo between now and year end. Up to $500,000 in contributions will be matched, creating an extraordinary opportunity for the zoo to secure up to $1 million in support over the next few months, said Jessica Hart, ZooMontana’s chief executive officer.
The gift honors Sue Bentely’s commitment to the zoo. According to Allyson Welborn, ZooMontana’s assistant curator, Sue spent countless hours at ZooMontana, photographing the animals and sharing that joy with her granddaughter. As they became regulars at the zoo, Sue and her granddaughter made lasting connections with the otters and the zookeepers who cared for them. Sue even held a birthday party for her granddaughter at the otter habitat several years ago.
“Whenever I see a kid that is just so stoked about any of the animals here, I always take an extra moment to come talk to them. Sue and her granddaughter were no different,” said Welborn. “As a zoo, it’s our responsibility to grow that passion so kids learn to value our wildlife and our wild spaces, because they will be the ones to protect it in the future.”
The Bentley family’s decision to support the Animal Health Center project will ensure ZooMontana has the space to provide quality veterinary care on-site. That this level of care will be on-site is a first for ZooMontana. It has historically had to transport animals for care or call in visiting veterinary professionals. The campaign to build an on-site Animal Health Center changes that by ensuring animals can get the needed care on-site, from a dedicated veterinary staff. The new building also includes classroom space and a viewing area where visitors can see animal care in action.
ZooMontana plans to start construction of the $3.9 million campaign in fall 2026. With the Bentley gift, gifts made between now and December 31st will have double the impact and allow ZooMontana to:
- Build a state-of-the-art animal health center
- Deliver world-class medical care
- Expand ZooMontana’s ability to rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife
- Create a place where guests like Sue can take their grandkids to see vet care in action
Sue’s family would like to celebrate the outstanding impact that ZooMontana had on Sue and her granddaughter. Join ZooMontana in honoring Sue’s legacy. All donations for the Animal Health Center will be doubled when you give now through December 31st.
“The Bentley family’s gift, and the generosity it inspires, is such a personal way to honor Sue,” said Hart. “And it is a testament to the importance of ZooMontana and the connection people have to this place and the animals here at ZooMontana.”
