San Diego Zoo Celebrates Its Centennial
In 1916, when a lone lion left in a cage in Balboa Park after the Panama-California Exposition was heard roaring by San Diego surgeon Dr. Harry Wegeforth, he quipped to his brother, “Wouldn’t it be splendid if San Diego had a zoo?” From such simple words, a 100-year revolution was born. That singular lion roar led to the transformation of 100 acres of land in Balboa Park into a globally-renowned tourist attraction, a cultural touchstone and one of the most inspiring places on the planet.
To celebrate its 100 years, the San Diego Zoo has opened a new animal show at Wegeforth Bowl, built a Centennial Theater featuring the conservation work of San Diego Zoo Global, designed a centennial-themed Dr. Zoolittle show and planned 10 different birthday parties at the Zoo for its on-grounds guests. There will also be special events at the San Diego Zoo during the centennial, including Play Days, Nighttime Zoo and Kids Free month.
To view the Zoo’s online historical timeline and get more details on centennial events, please visit sandiegozoo100.org.
