The San Diego Zoo was founded in 1916 by Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth, who served as its president until 1941. Wegeforth’s vision for a world-class zoo in San Diego was sparked by hearing a lion roar at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, leading him to declare, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a zoo in San Diego? I believe I’ll build one.”
The Beginnings of the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo grew out of exotic animal exhibitions abandoned after the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Wegeforth and the Zoological Society of San Diego, which he founded, initially followed precedents set by the New York Zoological Society at the Bronx Zoo.
In August 1921, a permanent tract of land in Balboa Park was set aside for the new zoo. The following year, the zoo began to move in animals from the Exposition and a menagerie from the defunct Wonderland Amusement Park. Philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps financed a fence around the zoo, allowing it to begin charging an entrance fee to offset costs.
Pioneering “Cageless” Exhibits
The San Diego Zoo is known for its innovative “cageless” exhibits, with the first lion area without enclosing wires opening in 1922. This was part of Wegeforth’s vision from the start, and the zoo became a pioneer in creating moated exhibits that allowed animals to roam more freely and naturally.
The Influence of Belle Benchley
After several short-lived zoo directors, Wegeforth appointed Belle Benchley as executive secretary in 1925. Benchley later became the zoo director and served in that role until 1953, making her the only female zoo director in the world for most of that time.
Benchley played a crucial role in shaping the San Diego Zoo’s reputation for excellence in animal care and conservation. Under her leadership, the zoo continued to expand its collection and develop new exhibit techniques.
The San Diego Zoo Today
The San Diego Zoo has grown to become a world-renowned institution, housing 4,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres of Balboa Park. It is known for its commitment to conservation and education, as well as its innovative exhibits and animal care.
The zoo’s success can be traced back to the vision and dedication of its founder, Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth, and the influential leadership of Belle Benchley. Their contributions have helped make the San Diego Zoo a global leader in the field of zoological parks and wildlife conservation.
Key Facts about the Founding of the San Diego Zoo
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth |
| Year Founded | 1916 |
| Wegeforth’s Inspiration | Hearing a lion roar at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition |
| Initial Animal Sources | Abandoned exotic animal exhibits from the Exposition, and a menagerie from the defunct Wonderland Amusement Park |
| Philanthropic Support | Ellen Browning Scripps financed a fence around the zoo |
| First Female Zoo Director | Belle Benchley, who served from 1925 to 1953 |
| Current Size | 100 acres, housing 4,000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies |
References
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Zoo_Wildlife_Alliance
- San Diego Zoo – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego_Zoo
- SDZWA History Timeline – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://library.sandiegozoo.org/sdzg-history-timeline/.