The Akron Zoo in Ohio has announced a $1.5 million gift from the estate of a donor who wished to remain anonymous in support of efforts to protect critically endangered species.

The gift will fund construction on two habitats as well as the director of conservation, a newly created position solely dedicated to wildlife conservation. The habitats include a private yard for red wolves to provide more breeding space and a habitat for white-winged wood ducks and Bali mynahs, which will be incorporated in the zoo’s Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia. Fewer than twenty red wolves, a hundred Bali mynahs, and eight hundred white-winged wood ducks remain in their respective native habitats.

"We are excited and humbled to receive this estate gift and we will dedicate ourselves to meeting the donor’s wishes to the fullest possible extent,” said Akron Zoo president and CEO Doug Piekarz. “This transformational gift will have an immediate and lasting impact on the Akron Zoo and its conservation efforts. It will help save species from extinction by supporting animal care, husbandry and breeding programs while setting the stage for the next decade of conservation engagement starting right here in Akron, Ohio.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images / Phichaklim1)