Ann Perry Rademacher died peacefully on April 23, 2021. In 1955 she was born in Washington, D.C., to Raymond and Jacqueline Rademacher, and is survived by sisters Amy Rademacher of Denver; Susan Rademacher Poulos (Chris) of Greensboro, NC, and nephews Elijah Poulos (Laura) and Noah Poulos (Lyric) of Asheville, NC. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Ann grew up in Denver, Colorado, where at the age of five she became enchanted with the animals at the Denver Zoo. This experience influenced her entire life, and she eventually became a Great Ape Keeper at the Denver Zoo. Ten years later she moved to Little Rock to be a Great Ape Keeper, where she happily devoted the next 30 years. Here, she mentored many Explorer Scouts and aspiring new zookeepers. She retired from the Little Rock Zoo in December 2020.
Ann’s love, reverence and dedication to animals of all kinds was inexhaustible. As a teenager she was involved in 4-H and horsemanship. She graduated from Colorado State University and began her zookeeping career shortly thereafter. At the Denver Zoo, she had the incredible opportunity to work closely with Chimpanzees, Orangutans, and Gorillas. Her passion for the wellbeing of Great Apes connected her to world-renowned conservationists, including Jane Goodall of the ChimpanZoo organization, and Patti Ragan of the Center for Great Apes. Up to her last days, Great Ape professionals around the country sought Ann for her professional expertise.
Ann’s passion for animal protection and wellbeing also included cats and dogs in Little Rock and across Arkansas. She was a great supporter of animal rescue, fostering, and shelters in the area, and mentored many foster families for decades. Numerous lucky people and their animals enjoyed Ann’s exceptional pet sitting services for the past 20 years. She was a friend of Bill W. and shared her experience, strength and hope with many friends in recovery.
Ann had an insatiable curiosity and desire to learn throughout her life. She was a master gardener and enjoyed hiking and countless outdoor activities. She lived a life of service, appreciation and gratitude and will be dearly missed.
Donations may be made in Ann’s name to the Animal Village, Out of the Woods, Center for the Great Apes, or the Little Rock Zoo.
Arrangements under the direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.
4 Comments
I worked with Ann for 24 years, loved her work ethic and her compassion for animals. I, along with many others, will miss her sense of humor which was sometimes tricky and under estimated .She could be sly with comments regarding anything, but always amusing and justified. Miss ya Ann!
I thought so highly of Ann. Over 15 years She took care of my cats,Angel and Charlotte, when I was out of town. Her love of animals and nature and her humility always showed through. I am so sad at her passing and will always remember her.
I knew Ann through her father, Ray Rademacher, a close childhood friend, and mother, Jacky Perry, classmate at University of Montana. Our conversation by Flathead Lake is alive & well in my mind. A beloved event!
A very good person and friend
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