Elizabeth’s love affair with snow leopards began decades ago with a single encounter. “When I saw my first snow leopard in captivity, that was it! I fell in love,” she recalls. That moment sparked a connection that would span over 40 years of supporting Snow Leopard Trust—and ultimately led to her decision to include us in her will.
A Journey Back in Time
For Elizabeth, snow leopards represent more than just a magnificent species—they’re a bridge to cherished memories. “I think the fact that I had traveled to Asia with my Dad when I was young made a deep impression on me. My connection to the snow leopard brings me back to that special place and time.”
That personal connection deepened when Elizabeth had the opportunity to travel to Mongolia with Snow Leopard Trust. Witnessing our work firsthand confirmed what she had long suspected: this was conservation done right. “I observed how the team works so well with the country program staff and the local community members and how respectful and humble and collaborative you all are.”
Beyond Just Saving Animals
Speaking about her decision to include Snow Leopard Trust in her will, Elizabeth’s reasoning is both practical and passionate. “I don’t have close family members to give my money to and I don’t think people do enough for animals,” she explains. “I don’t have a lot of money compared to many, but what I do have, I want to give to bats and snow leopards. They can’t help themselves.”
But Elizabeth’s commitment goes deeper than simply wanting to help animals. “I want to do what I can for wildlife and conservation—and support an organization that is doing something beyond just protecting the animals. Snow Leopard Trust is doing work in a way I feel is important.”
The Right Size for Impact
What gives Elizabeth confidence in her decision is our unique position in the conservation world. “I will rest easier knowing the Trust will manage my gift well—you are small enough to be able to get everyone on the same page and big enough to make it happen. Your approach is pure with integrity and selflessness, which is critical when you are trying to save a species.”
For someone who spends her professional life preserving delicate treasures from the past, Elizabeth understands the importance of ensuring that precious things survive for the future. Her legacy gift to Snow Leopard Trust represents her belief that these magnificent cats—and the communities who share their landscape—deserve that same preservation.
Elizabeth’s gift will help ensure snow leopards continue to roam the mountains of Asia long after she’s gone. It’s a legacy that connects her past travels, her present passions and her hopes for the future—all centered around one of nature’s most extraordinary cats.
If you’d like to learn more about leaving a conservation legacy for snow leopards, click hereOr email: jennifer@snowleopard.org.
Photo credits: Sagar Gosavi