A wealthy animal lover in America left a whopping USD 26 million to a zoo in Germany after her death.
Elizabeth Reichert died in February 2022 at the ripe age of 96.
It has now emerged that she left Cologne Zoo – Germany’s third-oldest – a stunning USD 26 million (GBP 22 million) following her passing.
Reichert – a native of Cologne – had moved to the USA with her Jewish husband, Arnulf, after the Second World War.
A zoo spokesperson said: “In the United States, Arnulf and Elizabeth Reichert built up a wholesale zoo business with great commercial skill.
“The childless couple considered the Cologne Zoo because of their gratitude towards Cologne and their love for animals.
“They also chose the Cologne Zoo because they want to benefit as many people in the Rhineland as possible in the long term with the inheritance.”
Zoo chief Christopher Landsberg had been in touch with Reichert and had established a foundation into which the couple’s assets were transferred.
Landsberg said: “Mrs Reichert led a self-determined life almost to the end and managed her financial affairs independently.
“After her death, the questions of the estate could be settled as previously determined.
“The organisational processes for this took several months due to the necessary due diligence and the reconciliation between US and German regulations.
“The full earning power of the foundation will unfold over the coming years.”
Cologne Zoo will not receive the money as a one-time payment but as instalments of EUR 660,000 (GBP 580,000) to EUR 1.5 million (GBP 1.3 million), depending on the markets.
It has already received its first payout, worth USD 700,000 (GBP 580,000).
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Story By: William McGee, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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