The Bushy Park Sanctuary received an unexpected donation at its annual general meeting on Saturday.
George Barr left $133,000 to Forest & Bird in his will. The trust negotiated to receive a quarter of it, $33,000, because Mr Barr spent at least his final years living in Castlecliff.
Not much is known about him beyond that, except that he was a teacher, Forest & Bird Wanganui branch chairwoman Esther Williams said.
The money will be used to develop the classroom planned for the Bushy Park Stables.