Lori Kravos — 28 January 2026

Although belated, please embrace our heartfelt condolences, from all of us at Zoos Victoria. So sorry to discover today by chance that Ian has passed. I so looked forward to my correspondence with Ian over many years and the stories he shared with great delight. Beside the pride and deep affection with which he spoke about his family, one of my favourite stories he shared was about how he came to support the Zoos. He shared that this began as a birthday gift of a cheetah sponsorship from his family over 20 years ago for his 60th birthday. He had a very fond memory of visiting the Zoos with his young grandson (visiting from Switzerland at the time) who turned to a little girl next to him and proclaiming ''that is my granddad's cheetah!' Fondest Farewells dear Mr Ian Johnson and thank you for looking after wildlife, so they can be part of our future. Andrew, Richard, James, Charles and family, please do reach out at anytime, especially if you are in Melbourne and would like to visit with 'granddad's' Cheetahs. I was planning to send Ian a little joy today by email, sharing the news and pictures of the new cheetahs at Werribee Open Range Zoo, when I came across his obituary. It would be an honour to welcome you to our Zoos, acknowledging Ian and his memory and generosity.