Chahinkapa Zoo receives $1 million

October 27th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

by Anna Jauhola • Daily News

Alfred “Bud” Boehning loved peacocks. One day, many years ago, as former Wahpeton Parks Superintendent Wendell Langendorfer drove past Boehing’s farm by Geneseo, he stopped to behold a stunning sight — Boehning’s roof was covered in peafowl.

“Wendell said the zoo needed some more peafowl so he pulled into Mr. Boehning’s driveway and asked if he would sell some of them,” said Kathy Diekman, Chahinkapa Zoo director.

Boehing died in January 2008. As a bachelor he left part of his estate to a niece and great-niece, and some friends. The rest he bequeathed to Chahinkapa Zoo — all $1,094,000 of it. “It is the largest single donation given to the zoo ever,” Diekman said. “Just what a surprise! We’re so appreciative of Mr. Boehning for thinking of us.” Boehning left two quarters of land worth $522,000, some personal property and the rest was cash. In his will, Boehning wrote, “I give the rest and remainder to the Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton.”

The estate is nearly closed out, but the zoo has had the privilege of using some of the money already. Some has been put into CDs, some has been used for general operations and later some will be used for an endowment fund.

The Chahinkapa Zoo Board of Directors will use the money as they see fit for operation, Diekman added.

“The peacock is the most photographed animal at the zoo because it doesn’t have a fence in front of it and because they show off for the hens,” Diekman said. “[This donation] reminded us how important the peafowl are.”

A part of the money will be used for a living tribute to the peafowl and Boehning. There will be a park area constructed with a bench and a kiosk displaying information about peafowl and other birds. It will also contain Boehning’s story. Diekman said it will be finished in the spring of 2010.

“The peafowl were his pets on the farm,” said Simone Sandberg, executor of Boehning’s estate. “Between his horses and the peafowl, they were his babies.”

“I just hope this inspires others to think about the zoo or another favorite non-profit organization,” Diekman said.