The mission of San Diego Zoo Global is to save species worldwide by uniting our expertise in animal and plant care and conservation science with our dedication to inspiring passion for nature. Using our family of brands to differentiate our campuses, projects, and initiatives, we strive to be at the forefront of wildlife conservation and education.
San Diego Zoo Global is a not-for-profit organization that operates the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. With a combined five million visitors each year, the Zoo and the Safari Park provide guests with the opportunity to see thousands of plant and animal species in person and up close, including rare and endangered species they would probably not encounter elsewhere.
At San Diego Zoo Global's online sites, guests can discover the many facets of our organization, from in-depth information on San Diego Zoo Animals and Plants, to our conservation work at the Institute for Conservation Research, to online ZOONOOZ articles written by our staff writers, keepers, and researchers. Plus, there's a world of fun and facts for kids and teachers on San Diego Zoo Kids, and opportunities to explore web-based training courses on San Diego Zoo Global Academy. It's all only a web browser away!
2016 is the San Diego Zoo's 100th birthday! It's a joyful centennial celebration that commemorates our amazing history and launches our exciting future, as we roar forward into the next 100 years. We invite you to join us during this extraordinary year, and enjoy the memories and festivities with us!
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1916
Remnants of the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition, where the San Diego Zoo stands now.
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1932
Dr. Charles Schroeder, the Zoo's first full-time veterinarian, attends to a camel with a toothache..
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1941
Three young elephants, Hari, Lucki, and Maya, get a treat from keeper Robert Cihlar.
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1949
Gorilla babies Albert, Bouba, and Bata, had their own set of rooms in the Zoo Hospital and went out for playtime on the lawn in back.
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1968
Carol, an Asian elephant, was a year old when she arrived. Her first home at the Zoo was the Children's Zoo, and she was named after Children's Zoo attendant Carol Hash, seen here, who helped raise the young calf.
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1985
Goolara, whose name means "moonlight" in an Australian Aboriginal language, was one in a million. He charmed millions of viewers on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."
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1993
Orson the jaguar, a black cat with golden eyes, became an icon at the Zoo.
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2000
Bai Yun, only a youthful six years old herself, seemed to enjoy playing with her cub Hua Mei. From the beginning, Bai Yun was a great and protective mother.
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2015
Speed the Galapagos tortoise first came to the San Diego Zoo in 1933. "Old Number 5" as he was affectionately known by keepers, was thought to be more than 150 years old when he passed away in 2015.
San Diego Zoo Global is an international conservation organization that has been saving species for 100 years. But we can't do it alone! Our supporters play a crucial role, and we need dedicated partners like you. Join our Wildlife Conservancy, help fund conservation projects, volunteer your time and knowledge, or partner with us to sustain conservation efforts worldwide. Your support makes a world of difference!
