This interesting article shows a timeline of the zoo and the safari park, dating back to the zoo's formation in 1916;
1916
Drs. Harry Wegeforth, Paul Wegeforth, Fred Baker, Joseph C. Thompson and naturalist Frank Stephens hold their first organizational meeting. 10/02/1916
One of San Diego Zoo's first animals arrives: "Caesar" (photo), Kodiak bear. 11/1916. Died 9/12/1936.
Articles of incorporation are submitted to the city, park commission, and state. They are duly executed on 12/11/1916. Dr. Wegeforth is president of the Society. (Related article).
1917
Founding of the "Junior Zoo" by W.H. Porterfield of the San Diego Sun.
Frank Stephens serves as active director of the Zoo. Society assumes responsibility for care of all animals in Balboa Park. Zoo consists of a line of cages along Park Boulevard.
A Grizzly bear is incorporated into the Society's official seal. (Used until 1955 and was changed because the Grizzly became extinct in California.) 2/17/1917
Jack Hendee appointed first superintendent. 5/11/1917
First lion cubs born; "Faith", "Hope", and "Charity". 9/17/1917
Zoo membership is available at $5 per membership.
1918
Society enters legal agreement with City of San Diego transferring ownership of all animals, equipment and property to the City in return for jurisdiction over a permanent zoo site (not yet designated).
1919
First pair of zoo-born lion cubs are sold to the city of Seattle.
1920 Back to Top
Pits are built for the bears along Park Boulevard (across from Indian Village). Completed with cement floors in 1921 with funds from the City Council.
Standard Oil Company and Combined Harvester Company donate their Exposition buildings to the Zoo.
First organized membership campaign carried on during last months of the year.
1921
Zoo's current site is approved by Board of Park Commissioners (140 acres). Nathanial Slaymaker, city planner, draws up plans. Ellen Browning Scripps donates $9,000 for fence. Formal dedication is held. Fall/1921
1922
First staff hired: John L. Bacon, engineer; T.N. Faulconer, secretary; Benjamin F. Tyler, legal counsel; N.E. Slaymaker, landscape architect; L.J. Gill, architect; Robert Mears, superintendent of animals; W.H. Raymenton, director of gardens; G.E. Chase, director of works. (Related article).
Lower Otay Dam is sited in the canyon north of the Reptile House. The lake that results housed aquatic birds and fresh water fish.
Barrett Dam is constructed to create a pool for seals; Morena Dam creates a pool for alligators.
Architect Louis J. Gill redesigns the International Harvester Building from the Panama Exposition to serve as Reptile House and Zoo entry. Finished 4/1922.
First curator of reptiles is Laurence M. Klauber (President of SDG&E and consultant to the Society); serves until 1931.
First Guadalupe fur seals arrive. (First live specimens to arrive in the United States. Brought from Baja by a local fisherman.) "Mrs. Silvergate", another Guadalupe fur seal, washes ashore at Ocean Beach and is added to the collection. 4/30/1922. Article cites early conservation efforts.
First cage that will house an African leopard is donated by the Hotel-Men's Association. 7/14/1922.
Barless animal grottos (Related article).
1923
Zoo's grand opening: 10 cent admission for adult non-members. Children free. Entrance is through the Reptile House (the International Harvester Building from the 1915-1916 Exposition). 1/1/1923.
Intense development of zoo infrastructure, mission and collection. (Related article).
First lion grotto constructed: "Prince", "Julia", and "Sara" have a new home thanks to Ellen B. Scripps' donation. 4/1923 (Demolished in 1999 to build Douc Langur enclosure.)
First Asian elephants, "Empress" and "Queenie", arrive from Bombay Lumber Co., via Frank Buck. Dr. Wegeforth and Harry Edwards ride the elephants from the Santa Fe Depot to the Zoo. 5/20/1923
Frank Buck, "Bring 'em back alive", signs a three-year contract as Zoo director. Three months later he is fired and sues the Zoo. 6/13/1923
Tom Faulconer (Park Board secretary) accepts the Directorship of the Zoo. 6/13/1923.
Two dromedary camels (one hump), "Turk" and "Scar", received from the Lasky Film Corp. One Bactrian camel, "Dick", received from Ringling Circus. 6/24/1923
First elephant seal arrives. 7/20/1923
Scripps' flight cage for shore and wading birds (then the tallest in the world: 82' high, 150' long, 74'3" wide at one end and 62' at the other). Built at a cost of $15,000. Located on the south side of Primate Mesa. Dedicated 9/8/1923. (photo)
Mr. & Mrs. P.F. O'Rourke purchase the Nevada State Building. They pay to move it and the Standard Oil Building to Zoo grounds for use as the Children's Education Center and Junior Zoological Society departments. Planned completion is Christmas, 1923.
First American alligators in the Zoo, donated by General Terry.
First Malayan sun bear on exhibit, "Sunny". 12/02/1923
1924
Free elephant rides for children begin on New Year's Day. Discontinued 2/17/1924.
Tibetan yaks arrive. 1/20/1924
Camels "Turk" and "Scar" give birth to "Sheik".
First column of Zoonooz appears in the San Diego Sun, written by W.B. France.
Harry Wegeforth organizes other zoo directors to exchange information and animals. The organization is called the National Association of Zoological Executives. It is an affiliate of the American Institute of Park Directors and eventually becomes AAZPA in 1966 (a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association). 4/16/1924
Zoo expands to 150 acres.
New Bear Grotto completed; houses 5 bears—Kodiak, Black bear, Cinnamon, Himalayan and Malayan Sun bear. Funded by Ellen B. Scripps. 7/20/1924 (Related article).
First Leopard Grotto completed. Home to "Sappho" and "St. Elmo". Financed by John Burnham. 8/1924
Double Tiger Grotto constructed. First exhibit of Sumatran tigers. Gift of Ellen B. Scripps. Ground breaking 8/28/1924, completed 11/23/1924.
First chimpanzees "Nina" and "Bondo" arrive as gifts from Ralph Granger. 3/24/1924
First concession stand run by Maude R. Scott on July 4th.
1925
First snake roundup – $100 in prizes awarded for capturing snakes for the Zoo.
John Spreckles finances a trip to Australia for Zoo Director Tom Faulconer. Koalas "Snugglepot" and "Cuddlepie" are presented as gifts to the children of San Diego from the children of Sydney. (Marks the first foreign exchange. Other animals include: 40 kangaroos, 6 emus, wombats, dingoes, phalangers, birds of paradise, and an echidna.) 1/28/1925
"King Tut", a salmon-crested (Moluccan) cockatoo, arrives in San Diego 5/25/1925 via Frank Buck. Named official greeter 2/19/1951. Dies in 1990.
Belle Benchley hired as temporary bookkeeper. 10/19/1925.
1926
"Sally", a Cinnamon bear (Ursus americanus), is flown from Rifle, Colorado to San Diego Zoo. Touted as "First Bear to Fly".
First issue of Zoonooz published by the San Diego Zoo. W.B. France grants Zoo the full title to the palindrome coined for his newspaper copy. 10 cents a copy, free to members. Jan/Feb/1926
"Sheik" the camel stars in a Hollywood movie "Beau Geste". Also appeared in "Ben Hur". (photo).
First 2 buses (Model T made by Powell Motor Co.) donated by Miss Anne Zimmerman (retired school teacher) to transport underprivileged children to the Zoo. She also suggests giving one-hour tours on weekends and holidays for 25 cent fee. (photo).
4 large artificial rock cliffs are constructed for mountain goats on Deer Mesa.
Flood results in first major escape (a tiger, mountain lion, and California sea lions). The enclosures cave in when heavy rains wash out the Zoo's dams and canyon grottoes. California sea lions invade the San Diego Sun's offices and the San Diego Police station. 4/25/1926
Zoo received special appropriation from the City.
P.F. O'Rourke resigns from Board of Directors. Denies gift of building to the Society and incorporates his own institution. (Related article).
$50,000 donated by Ellen B. Scripps for research hospital. Building is begun. Completed in 1927. (Related article). (Related article).
Second unit of Deer Paddocks finished.
1927
South Gate opened. Entrance fee is raised from 10 cents to 25 cents. All servicemen in uniform admitted for free.
Hospital and Biological Research Institute designed by Louis J. Gill and funded by Ellen B. Scripps is dedicated. Dr. Abart takes over animal care from city veterinarian, Dr. Foelschow, who previously donated his services. 4/17/1927
Board adopts operating practice used by London Zoo: Executive Secretary working under Board of Directors.
Belle J. Benchley is appointed Executive Secretary with control of operations. July/1927. (photo).
The sailing ship "Star of India" is donated by James W. Coffroth to the Zoological Society for a maritime museum and first unit of a proposed aquarium. (Related article), (Related article).
Second Australian expedition successfully completed.
South Gate opened.
Warehouse burns but all building are insured.
Elk Lodge donates money for a large elk pasturage.
Pools cemented.
Large parrot cage built. Peccary pen and warthog pens built.
1928
S.C. Charles is hired as keeper and first trainer for sea lions. Johnny Zolezzi supplies the Zoo with sea lions for $25 each (a quarter of the average price). The Society uses this resource to financially assure the Zoo's survival. Shows begin.
First black forest cobra "Old Black" on exhibit; lived at Zoo for 29 years, still holds the longevity record in captivity.
30 Galapagos tortoises exhibited at the Zoo. 180 collected by Dr. Charles Townsend of the New York Aquarium from the south of Isla Isabela in the Galapagos Archipelago. (photo).
"Maggie" and "Jiggs" (two young orangs) arrive from Asia.
Second warehouse and implement shed built.
Elephant pool built.
1929
First California condor donated to Zoo by Mr. & Mrs. Keith Spalding (bird was discovered with a crippled wing on Rancho Sespe).
First Andean condor, "Bum", arrives from Hazenbeck, Germany. 6/9/1929
First Electus parrot, "Sassy Susie", at the Society and in the U.S. (Related article).
Birth of Bengal tiger triplets. 11/28/1929
1930 Back to Top
"Queenie" the elephant radio interview – KFSD. 11/01/1930.
Collection expands via importing animals and successful breeding (Related article).
Housing, cages and grottos expand and modernize
Expedition to Guadalupe. (Related article).
1931
First collecting trip to the Galapagos Islands. A female and a baby fur seal are brought back. First captive birth is in 1934.
First gorillas arrive. "Mbongo" and "N'gagi" captured by Martin and Osa Johnson. Although the purpose of capture was "scientific study and breeding", both were found to be males. ($11,000 donated by Ellen Scripps Browning and Robert P. Scripps.) 10/5/1931. (Related article).
Expeditions; collection expansion; diplomacy (Related article).
1932
Dr. Schroeder employed as Zoo veterinarian / pathologist (1932-1937). He serves as veterinarian for the Bronx Zoo in 1938 but returns in 1939. Second tenure: 1939-1941. Becomes Zoo Director in 1954.
First Binturong, "Benny", born in captivity. 7/01/1932.
County Assessor taxes the Zoo $100,000 and attempts to sell animals and property at auction when Zoo defaults. With no bidders the Zoo is declared the property of the State. The State refuses to accept and City Council declares the auction illegal.
1933
First Mangabey birth at the Zoo.
Galapagos penguins arrive and spend their first spring inside the Reptile House for warmth. (Related article). (photo)
Mirror pool donated by Anne Zimmerman, penguin group is displayed.
First amphibian joins the collection, a giant marine toad. Collected by C.B. Perkins.
1934
City of San Diego passes a proposition that allows the Zoo to receive 2 cents from every $100 collected in property taxes.
A family of four sloth bears arrive from Brazil. 6/25/1934
First Baird's tapir, "Mickey" – a female, arrives from Ecuador. 7/04/1934
For a map of the zoo, c. 1934, click here.
1935
Milton Leeper hired as Zoo's first garden supervisor.
Pribilof fur seal arrives.
Expidition to bring two Northern Elephant seals from Guadalupe Island, Mexico to the San Diego zoo. Research and conservation. (Related article).
1936
First recorded animal death from Coccidioidomycosis (a fungal disease) – a tropical American monkey. This is the same disease that kills Mbongo in 1942.
Grizzly bears born. 1/08/1936.
First Galapagos albatross. 1/20/1936
First Gray mangabey for the Zoo and first for the U.S.
First Babirusa and first Sambar deer. June/1936
Construction begun on new Reptile House (still in use) and Elephant Barn. International Harvester Building becomes a cafe.
Wegeforth Bowl and Fern Canyon landscaping begun (WPA Projects).
"Puddles" the hippo (born at the Brookfield Zoo 7/8/1935) arrives. First time a hippo is exhibited in a Pacific Coast zoo. 8/19/1936
1937
A second flight cage, originally called "the Great Eagle cage", is built to house birds of prey on the north side of Primate Mesa. It is the world's largest bird cage of its time. (This aviary is later expanded and converted to a walk-through tropical rain forest aviary.) Dedicated 03/07/1937
Reptile Mesa is completed with outdoor pits, a Galapagos tortoise enclosure, land tortoise pens and pools for alligators and crocs.
First emu hatching.
1938
Two giraffes arrive, "Lofty" and "Patches".
First zoo concessions manager hired.
First spectacled bears received. 3/11/1938
1939
Zoo begins collaborative education program with San Diego schools.
1940 Back to Top
First cheetah arrives, "Bong".
Hippos "Rube" and "Rubie" arrive.
Belle Benchley publishes My Life in a Man Made Jungle.
First Bornean orangutan arrives, "Bujang".
First Zoo lectures, "Caesar, the Kodiak bear", by Commander J.C. Thompson.
First Lesser pandas arrive, reproduce in 1941.
First De Brazza's guenons arrive. First offspring June/1945.
First Zoo summer school program is begun.
1941
Dr. Harry Wegeforth dies at the age of 59. (1/07/1882 - 6/25/1941)
Dr. Charles Schroeder resigns at the Zoo's Veterinary Pathologist to become assistant Director to the Veterinary Department of Lederle Lab (4/15/1941). Returns to Zoo as Director in 1954.
Dr. Frank D. McKenney takes over from Dr. Charles Schroeder as Zoo's Veterinary Pathologist. 6/1941
WWII
Zoo plants its own vegetables in Mission Valley to save money during the war years.
1942
First number drawn by Selective Services belongs to a young Zoo employee, Howard Lee. The publicity given Lee's leaving his job was carried all over the world.
First jungle fowl turned loose in the Zoo.
First Andean condor hatched in captivity in U.S. [First in the world in 1939 at the Royal Zoological Society in Amsterdam.] 7/08/1942
Mbongo, one of two gorillas who arrived in 1931, dies from Coccidioides immitis, a fungal infection.
1943
First hippo born at the Zoo – "Rubie" gives birth to "Lotus". 10/30/1943.
1944
First captive bred cobra hatches at the Zoo.
1947
Radio station KSDJ and the San Diego Zoo begin a series of Tuesday evening shows called "Animal Kingdom", featuring brief and unrehearsed discussions of natural history. (Zoo participants are Jacqueline Schermerhorn, C.B. Perkins, and Ken Stott.)
New birds at the Zoo: Paradise rifle birds, quetzals, ocellated turkeys.
New mammals at the Zoo: Blesbuck, Greater kudu, Bennett's wallaby, white-headed saki
1948
First artificial insemination of ocellated turkey in the U.S., fourteen hatched.
First captive breeding of the Aruba Island rattlesnake.
Giant salamander "Hon Honsaki" arrives from Japan; grows to be 5' long.
New birds at the Zoo: Burmeister's cariama and a pair of crested screamers.
Construction of new buffalo enclosure: one section for African water buffaloes and another for American bison. Old Buffalo Pastures are remodeled for moose (first time at the Zoo).
New flamingo pool built in corner of Zoo.
A dam is constructed across the lower drainage basin. The reservoir holds approximately 500,000 gallons of water and is used for irrigation purposes.
Balboa Park miniature railroad opens near Zoo entrance. Half mile ride costs 9 cents for children, 15 cents for adults. 11/13/1948
1949
"Albert", "Bouba", and "Bata" arrive; first time three gorillas are raised together. 8/10/1949
First snow fall in San Diego in 99 years; coincides with arrival of first snow leopards (one dies shortly after arrival due to a parasitic infection). Believed to be only snow leopard in captivity. 1/21/1949
Belle Benchley begins term as AAZPA president, 1949-1950.
1950 Back to Top
First Dr. Harry Wegeforth DAy, admission is free! After 1955, known as "Founder's Day". 10/01/1950
Public Relations department established at the Zoo.
First captive breeding of Northern fur seal.
First zoo hatching of Florida sandhill crane.
Terracing and construction of retaining wall in the Small Mammal Canyon.
1951
"King Tut", a salmon-crested cockatoo, is donated by Mrs. I.D. Putnam of La Mesa and named Official Greeter. 2/19/1951
"Behind the Scenes at the Zoo", KFMB weekly television program, begins airing. 9/22/1951
First Hawaiian monk seal to enter and be exhibited in the Continental U.S. (died same year).
1952
Four koala arrive from Sydney (on loan to Paramount Studios for their film "Botany Bay"); later gifted to the Zoo by NSW
First black rhinoceros "Sally" (born in Kenya 1950), arrives from East Africa.
10 new cages for Bird of paradise exhibit.
First tuatara arrives from New Zealand. San Diego, Brookfield, Bronx, and London Zoos each receive one reptile. 11/02/1952
1953
Belle Benchley's last day as managing director, retires after 26 years. Designated by City and County as "Belle J. Benchley Day". Testimonial dinner at Balboa Park Club. 12/10/1953
George Pournelle is hired as Curator of Mammals. Serves until his death. 9/01/1972
1954
Dr. Charles Schroeder (veterinarian/pathologist who began at the Zoo in 1932), assumes directorship and serves for 19 years until 1972. 1/01/1954
International Harvester Building from 1915 Exposition is torn down and replaced by a new entrance. A restaurant is on the right and administration building on the left. Turnstiles are installed. (Donald W. Campbell architect) 5/22/1954
Mirror Pool is replaced by new dryer Flamingo Lagoon. New home to 22 American and Chilean flamingos. Formal dedication 7/28/1954.
First captive breeding of Spectacled langurs and South American bush dogs.
First Kiwi arrives from New Zealand (only one in the Western hemisphere). 12/08/1954
First two-headed snake exhibited in San Diego County, a banded C. King snake, "Dudley Duplex".
City Council allocates 2 additional acres of Balboa Park land for proposed Children's Zoo. 10/18/1954.
1955
Zoorama, first San Diego Zoo live television show, begins weekly production. 1/09/1955
New corporate seal is designed by L.J. Schwenkenmeyer for the Society. The Northern elephant seal replaces the California grizzly bear corporate seal (in use since 1917). 1/1955
Tasmanian devils arrive from Sydney, Australia. 7/1955
First formal horticulturist, Timothy Aller, is hired.
City Parks & Recreation Department grants the zoo an additional 1.5 acres for the location of the Children's Zoo
1956
First Okapi arrives, gift from Belgian government in the Congo. 11/27/1956
A pair of proboscis monkeys are received from Indonesia, first to be successfully exhibited in the Western hemisphere. 1/08/1956
Zoo takes its first safari through Central and East Africa.
Tasmanian devil grotto is dedicated. 7/15/1956
New bus station for guided tours.
First mud-mound nests built by flamingos
1957
Zoological Society is granted IUCN membership
First captive hatching of Cassowaries at the Zoo (also first in U.S.) 4/1957
First flamingo chick hatched
$150,000 raised for Children's Zoo. Design coordinator is Lloyd Ruocco, assisted by Charles Faust & Bil Noonan. Opens 6/30/1957.
New Zoo exit breezeway and gift shop. 2/09/1957
New animals: Emperor penguins, reticulated giraffe, Chinese alligator, flying snake, Hawaiian monk seal
1958
First successful captive breeding of Kea at the Zoo (also first in U.S.) 5/1958
First Galapagos tortoise eggs (5) are discovered in their incubator. The eggs laid 2/16/1958; hatched 10/21/1958.
Penguin Pavilion opens. 7/1958
Scripps flight cage is transformed into a walk-through exhibit for shore and wading birds. New dimensions: 80' wide, 95' high, 115' long.
Wegeforth Bowl remodel and addition of semi-circular pool.
Zoo receives the San Diego Zoo Convention & Tourist Bureau's first tourism award.
1959
Zoo receives 4 koalas (1 male, 2 females, and 1 joey in pouch) from NSW to establish a breeding colony. Installation of sanctuary and exhibit area.
Zoo receives two rare Kagus of New Caledonia listed in Extinct and Vanishing Birds of the World from the U.S. Navy.
Dr. Schroeder begins term as AAZPA president.
Clark Children's Theater added to the Children's Zoo.
Toucan cage, Lath House, Turtletorium, 3-faced clock, sun dial, and stylized dual drinking fountain added to Children's Zoo.
Construction of combination seal pool and dining terraces.
Conversion of Birds of paradise cages into walk-through exhibit.
Renovation of all enclosures in Stork and Crane Canyon.
1960 Back to Top
Remodel of tortoise enclosure (5 Aldabra and 21 Galapagos).
Remodel of Harbor seal and elephant seal pools.
Five (5) hippos are moved from Elephant Mesa to new pools at bottom of Stork and Crane Canyon.
Iceberg-style Polar Bear Grotto opens. First inhabitants are "Frieda", "Hilda", and "Olaf" from Norway. Exhibit includes diving platform and slide. 12/03/1960
First koala birth in North America.
First rare Bonobo arrives from Africa, "Kakowet". (Died 8/24/1980 a few months before his 21st birthday.) 12/1960
1961
Zoo receives the AAZPA Edward Bean Award for first koala birth in Western Hemisphere.
First hatching in the Western Hemisphere of a Kookaburra. 4/11/1961
First Hawaiian geese arrive. 11/27/1961
Catch Basin created in 1948 is converted to Waterfowl Lagoon.
1962
"Acoustiguide" 40-minute tape-recorded commentary is introduced. 12/23/1962
First Okapi born at Zoo. "Baruti" is 4th Okapi born in U.S. 2/8/1962
Formal opening of new and renovated exhibits on Ape and Bird Mesa. "Vila", "Chuck", "Trib" and "Yula" occupy one enclosure, "Albert", "Bata", and "Bouba" occupy another in the new Gorilla Grotto designed by Charles Faust. 6/08/1962.
Zoo hosts 17th annual meeting of the International Union of Directors of Zoological Parks. 9/30/1962-10/05/1962
Ape Grotto constructed between large flight cage for shore and wading birds and smaller enclosures for birds of prey. Renovation of cages for Gallinaceous birds and construction of 34 new small aviaries. Architect Charles Faust.
Zoo receives 2 rare square-lipped White rhinos from the Natal Parks Game and Fish Preservation Board (only 600 individuals remain). 9/08/1962
First Siberian tigers arrive. 9/11/1962
Giraffe enclosure (moated parabola with a 1,600 sq.ft. building and two exhibit yards) is completed on Horn & Hoof Mesa. Architect Homer Delawie; Contractors Callahan Brothers. 12/1962
1963
"Lasai", an Indian rhinoceros, arrives at the Zoo.
First Gila monster conceived and hatched in captivity. Received Bean Award. 11/1963.
Edward H. Bean Award for Galapagos tortoise births.
Conversion of all exhibits on Large Mammal Mesa to moated enclosures for elephants and rhinos. New elephant house.
Zoo receives a pair of Komodo dragons from Surabaja, Java. 8/14/1963
The Zoological Society and the Malagasy government establish a Lemur conservation program at the Zoo.
1964
Zoo receives AAZPA Bean Award for hatching and rearing of rhinoceros iguana.
Hummingbird Aviary opens. Designed by Charles Faust. 10/2/1964
More than 50 construction projects completed: Tapir enclosure, incubator room in Bird Yard, Okapi enclosure extension, Orang and Chimp Grotto, Kiwi exhibit, renovated cat cages, fences replaced by moats on Horn and Hoof Mesa and Flamingo exhibit.
Zoo raises price to $7.50 per membership.
1965
Wegeforth Bowl's "Mickey" stars in the Walt Disney movie "Sammy the Way Out Seal".
First Lowland gorilla "Alvila" is born, 16 years after "Albert" arrives; 7th Lowland gorilla born in captivity in the world. 6/03/1965
First Fijian banded iguanas at the Zoo.
First time any zoo has been awarded 3 Edward H. Bean Awards for the "Most Notable Animal Births in an American Zoo": Reptiles (African soft-shelled tortoise, first hatching recorded in captivity), Birds (Thick-billed parrots, first recorded hatched in captivity, 09/08/1965), Mammals (first Proboscis monkey birth outside its native country of Borneo, 10/12/1965). Award presented on 10/13/1966.
2 moated islands with playgrounds for Gibbons and Siamangs are constructed along with 5 Baboon enclosures in Old Ape Alley.
Zoo raises price to $10.00 per membership.
"African Plains" exhibits are created on Horn and Hoof Mesa.
Great Ape Grotto completed.
"Boo Boo" (female Sun bear) is discharged from the U.S. Navy and officially takes up residence in the Children's Zoo. 12/29/1965
1966
A small scale model of the Elephant Enclosure opens in Children's Zoo. 2/17/1966.
First Gold Elephant Seal Conservation medals are awarded at AAZPA conference in San Diego (to Jean Delacour, Edward Hallstrom and Fairfield Osborn). 2/1966
First 2 female Przewalski's horses arrive from Catskill Game Farm in New York. 6/1966.
First Pygmy chimpanzee birth in the U.S. "Linette". 8/08/1966
6 more Gold Elephant Seal Conservation medals awarded (Harold Coolidge, Majian Grimwood, Dr. Boonsong Lekagul, Perez Olindo, Ian Player and Peter M. Scott). Fall/1966
Zoo hosts landmark world conference on "The Role of Zoos in International Conservation of Wild Animals". Charles Faust designs condor pin for all participants. 10/1966
Elmer Otto Center dedicated, Zoo's 50th birthday. 12/02/1966
1967
Seven zoo keepers (Dick Sweeney, Gerald "Red" Thomas, Conrad Grayson, Dennis Melvin, Ken Willingham, Carl Pyle and Walt Bromley) begin the San Diego Zoo Keepers' Association (which eventually becomes AAZK). 12/16/1967
First wattled cranes arrive. 4/13/1967
1968
Nursery for Galapagos tortoises is formally dedicated. 4/23/1968
First U.S. breeding of Superb bird of paradise. Born 6/24/1968; Died 11/20/1973.
Douc langurs arrive. 6/26/1968
Skyfari groundbreaking. 10/11/1968
1969
Inauguration of Skyfari aerial tram, spans approximately 1,800' of Zoo canyons and mesas. 3/20/1969
First Przewalski's horse born, "Bolinda". 4/08/1969
New kiwi enclosure (first SDZ nocturnal exhibit) dedicated. 6/18/1969
First year with 3 million attendance. Admission is $1.50 for adults, kids free.
Zoo increases membership cost to $12.50.
Society president Anderson Borthwick signs agreement with Mayor Frank Curran to establish wildlife preserve on San Diego City land. Ground breaking for development of 1,800 acres leased by the San Diego Zoo for development of a "natural environment zoo" in San Pasqual. 5/14/1969
1970 Back to Top
Joan Embery, Children's Zoo attendant, is announced as the second Miss "Zoofari". 2/17/1970
First Russian saigas arrive. 11/1970
Wild Animal Park receives South African sable antelope (1/15/1970), greater kudu (1/13/1970), and first gemsbok (1/14/1970).
San Diego community votes on Wild Animal Park plan. $6 million bond issue is approved by 75.9% of voters. 11/30/1970
Dr. Schroeder lays out route of Wgasa Bush Line.
Cable-suspended exhibit for birds of prey opens. Planned by Charles Faust (Zoo designer). 7/15/1970
Joan Embery appears on "What's My Line?" 10/26/1970
Cheetah reproductive behavior research project is made possible by grant from the William H. Donner Foundation (Arlington, VA). 10 adult cheetahs purchased in Southwest Africa and 2 five-acre enclosures are constructed at the Wild Animal Park.
3 cheetahs born at the Zoo. 11/22/1970
New facility is constructed at Zoo Hospital for post mortem exams. Renovation program enlarges entire hospital complex.
Conservation medals awarded to Carl Hubbs and George Schaller.
Zoo's first Pygmy hippo birth. 12/20/1970
1971
Southern white rhinoceros arrive at the Wild Animal Park, 18 animals including 8 born at the Zoo. 2/18/1971
Joan Embery tapes first "Tonight Show", airs 11/05/1971 on channels 10 and 4. Includes "Carol" the elephant, orang and others.
Conservation medals awarded to Karl Kenyon, Charles Shaw (posthumously) and Lewis W. Walker (posthumously).
1972
Wild Animal Park (1800 acre preserve) Opens to the public 9am, 1/10/72. 3,000 visitors on first day. Admission $1.25 for adults, free for Zoo members and children 15 years and younger. $1.50 to ride the tram. More than $10 million spent on construction. ($4 million society funds, $6 million bond issue -- approved 11/3/70).
Wild Animal Park Monorail is dedicated 02/18/72. Mayor Pete Wilson drives in the last "golden spike". Opens to the public 5/10/72.
First and only Blue bear in captivity (a color morph of the American black bear) acquired by a zoo expedition to Alaska.
Dr. Schroeder retires as Director of Zoo. Began tenure in 1954. 5/1972
Dr. Donald J. Kinter assumes directorship. 8/16/1972 (Resigns under pressure 2/12/1973).
First North African ground hornbill hatched at Wild Animal Park, receives Bean Award.
First White rhino calf born at the Wild Animal Park, "Zibulo". 10/11/1972
Six (6) Arabian oryx (4 males, 2 females) are transferred from the world herd at the Phoenix Zoo to the Wild Animal PArk. 11/15/1972
Conservation medals awarded to Philip L. Boyd and Mervyn Cowie.
1973
Dr. Schroeder testimonial dinner held. 1/10/1973
Dr. Donald J. Kinter resigns as director 2/12/1973. Charles Bieler, Dr. Kinter's executive assistant, is appointed director. Serves 12 years until February, 1985.
First captive hatching Red shining parakeet. 3/04/1973
First blue-crowned lory captive hatching. 3/29/1973
Two AAZPA Bean Awards: one to the Zoo for ruffed lemur birth and one to the Wild Animal Park for Abyssinian ground hornbill hatching. 4/22/1973
Cascade Canyon dedicated. 5/17/1973
First Przewalski's horses arrive at Wild Animal Park (4 females, 1 male)
Conservation Medals awarded to Gerald Durrell (Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust) and Margaret Owings (Friends of the Sea Otter)
Belle Benchley dies at age 91 (8/28/1882 - 12/17/1973)
Society raises membership cost to $16.00.
1974
First Tule wapiti (18 including 8 born at the Wild Animal Park) to be returned to the wild. 12/05/1974
First bus tour given by a female driver.
Conservation Medal awarded to Jane Goodall and Heini Hediger (Zurich Zoo director)
Koala Club begun for children up to 12 years. Supported by McDonalds restaurants. Membership is $2/child. 4/1974
Society raises membership cost to $18.00.
Kilimanjaro Hiking Trail opens at Wild Animal Park. 6/27/1974
First Arabian oryx born at Wild Animal PArk. 6/27/1974
Employee recognition program is begun at Zoo and Wild Animal Park. Pins showing the head of a rhinoceros are awarded.
Bill Noonan begins the Graphic Design Department. One of the first projects is to design the "Tree of Life" insignia (all symbols described in Zoonooz 6/1976).
1975
CRES (Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species) is established by Dr. Kurt Benirschke and Zoo Director Charles Bieler. Dr. Benirschke assumes directorship on 1/01/1975.
Conservation Medals awarded to Bernhard Grzimek (Frankfurt Zoo) and Roland Lindeman (Catskill Game Farm)
1976
First Bearded dragon born in captivity. 1/29/1976
First bongo arrives. Summer/1976
First annual plant and flower sale at the Wild Animal Park.
First Black rhino born, "Nanyuki". 10/1976
Conservation medals awarded to Kenton C. Lint and Charles Schroeder.
"Tropical America" opens at Wild Animal Park.
Zoo receives 2 male and 4 female koalas as a bicentennial gift from Australian government/Lone Pine Koala. Sanctuary. New expanded exhibit is built.
1977
First multiple birth among San Diego Zoo's great apes, Orang-utan twins.
Asian elephants perform in Wild Animal Park's first elephant show (trainer Franz Tisch).
The Jennings Center for Zoological Medicine opens at the Zoo, adding a clinical building to the hospital.
First birth of prehensile-tailed skinks, birth to live young. 11/30/1977
Conservation Medals awarded to Ernst Lang (Director, Basil Zoo) and Maurice Machris (World Herd of Arabian Oryx)
1978
First person to adopt a zoo animal is Mayor Maureen O'Connor. 5/1978
Orchid display cases dedicated in Fern Canyon.
First Animal Chit Chat Show held at Wegeforth Bowl. 8/1978
First Tahitian lorie received. San Diego Zoo has the only captive breeding program outside French Polynesia.
Wild Animal Park sends 4 male Arabian oryx to Shaumari Reserve in Jordan. 02/17/1978
Society raises membership cost to $25.00.
1979
World Conference III on breeding endangered species in captivity. 11/12/1979 - 11/16/1979
Conservation Medals awarded to William Conway (Bronx Zoo Director), Ray C. Erickson (Patuxant Wildlife Research), and Craig C. McFarland (Wildlands Management, Costa Rica).
The San Diego Zoo receives its first Fan palms in the form of seedlings.