A Centennial
Celebration
And you’re invited! Help us celebrate 100 years of trials and triumphs, innovation and vision, extraordinary people and, of course, amazing animals, all coming together to build the world-famous San Diego Zoo. We have fun festivities, special shows, and memorable displays planned throughout our centennial, starting this fall and continuing through Jungle Bells in December 2016. Join us as we remember the remarkable events, successes, and animal friends from our past, celebrate those of the present, and look to the future as we strive to end wildlife extinction. We’re 100 years old—it’s time to party!
It Began with a Roar One hundred years ago, a San Diego physician named Dr. Harry Wegeforth was driving down Sixth Avenue with his brother, Paul, when they heard lions roar20
ZOONOOZ
ing in Balboa Park. It was a moment of inspiration—he turned to Paul and said, “Wouldn’t it be splendid if San Diego had a zoo? You know, I think I’ll start one.”
JULY 2015
The rest is history—and what a tremendous history it is! From the fascinating story of Dr. Harry’s tenacity in starting the Zoo to the growth and successes accomplished by the world’s first female Zoo director,
Belle Benchley; and from Dr. Charles Schroeder’s tightly run ship and innovation in starting the Safari Park to developing conservation research programs dedicated to saving species from extinction,
the San Diego Zoo has had an amazing journey to reach 100 years. And there is so much more to come! As our members and supporters, you are a vital part of all that the San Diego Zoo is and
will be, and we look forward to sharing our centennial with you. Here are some of the main elements and events to make note of— we hope you’ll join us in remembering and celebrating 100 years of the Zoo!