A $1 million gift from the Kruidenier family will launch the leadership phase of the Wild About Animals fund-raising drive for the expansion and renovation of Blank Park Zoo.

The gift from Elizabeth Kruidenier and the Kruidenier Foundation was announced today.

“The Kruidenier name is synonymous with a better quality of life for our residents,” Terry Rich, the zoo’s CEO, said in a news release. “We are so excited to have this gift kick off an exciting zoo expansion for all of Iowa’s children and adults.”

Former governors Robert Ray, Terry Branstad and Thomas Vilsack, along with Mike Hubbell and Loretta Sieman, are leading the fund-raising effort. This is the first time the three former governors have worked together to support a project, according to the news release.

“This project will provide economic growth, increase workforce development and enhance the quality of life for all Iowans,” Vilsack said.

When the expansion is completed, the zoo will grow from its current 23 acres to more than 103 acres. Walking trails, new exhibits, an endangered species carousel, a dugout canoe ride, a tram and a sky ride are all part of the plans.

Elizabeth Kruidenier, a partner in Parrish Kruidenier Dunn Boles Gribble Cook Parrish Gentry & Fisher L.L.P., her husband, the late David Kruidenier, and daughter, Lisa, have supported a variety of projects in Greater Des Moines, including the Des Moines Public Library, Des Moines Art Center, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines and Gray’s Lake Park.