The world-famous San Diego Zoo began 100 years ago after a lone lion in a cage in Balboa Park during the Panama-California Exposition roared loud enough for local surgeon Dr. Harry Wegeforth to hear it as he drove by. Turning to his brother, Harry said, “Wouldn’t it be splendid if San Diego had a zoo?” One-hundred years later, we have him to thank for what has become one of San Diego’s beloved attractions.
Learn how this icon of American culture started from simple beginnings and all of the ups and downs along the way that made it what it is today.
