Do you live near San Diego or are you planning a trip there? If so, summer is the perfect time to visit the San Diego Zoo and their Summer Nighttime Zoo Centennial Celebration! 
San Diego Zoo History
Can you believe the San Diego Zoo, one of the world’s largest zoos, all started because of the roar of a tiny lion cub? It’s true! In 1916, Dr. Harry Wegeforth, a San Diego surgeon, decided to start a zoo after he heard the roar of Rex, a lonely lion cub, that was abandoned after the closing of a small zoo exhibit at the 1915 – 1916 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park. Along with other abandoned animals from the exposition, Dr. Harry Wegeforth, his brother, and three other colleagues founded the San Diego Zoo on October 2, 1916.
100 years later, the San Diego Zoo has grown into the world-renowned San Diego Zoo Global, a non-profit conservation organization that is leading the fight against wildlife extinction. The San Diego Zoo Global runs the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and many conservation field stations around the world that are committed to ending species extinction.
Nighttime Zoo Centennial Celebration
This year, from June 19 through September 5, the San Diego Zoo is celebrating its 100-year history with a special summer Nighttime Zoo! The evening hours will be filled with live music, special shows, and fun activities for the whole family!
I have to admit that I haven’t been to the San Diego Zoo in years! The last time we visited the zoo, my kids were still babies and they don’t remember much about the zoo, so going back now would definitely be a memorable family adventure. We’re really looking forward to seeing all the animals and the movie Rio The 4-D Experience, where Blu and Jewel, the last macaws on earth, take us on a journey through Rio de Janeiro.
In anticipation of our zoo trip, we’ve even started to watch the San Diego Zoo live cams to watch the elephants (my oldest daughter’s favorite animals), penguins, koalas, tigers, polar bear, and more! Yes, it’s really live, so you won’t always get the animals in view, but when you do….it’s so fun! Here’s the penguins and elephants on the live cam –
Roaring Foward Into The Future: The Centennial Campaign
Visiting the zoo gives all of us an opportunity to see many amazing animals, even those that are rare and endangered. But San Diego Zoo Global can’t do it alone – they need our help! For 100 years, San Diego Global Zoo has been committed to saving species around the world and they need us to volunteer our time, knowledge, and funds to continue the important work of conservation. Visit the San Diego Zoo site and click on the ‘Donate‘ tab to find all the different ways you can help make a difference – every little bit helps!
Are you planning a visit to your local zoo? What is your favorite animal/exhibit to visit?
Find out more information about the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Global, and the Nighttime Zoo by visiting the San Diego Zoo website.
I haven’t been to this zoo since we only had 3 kids, but we loved it! Next trip to Cali, we are definitely going to visit the zoo!
Ok I had no idea behind the history of the san diego zoo, sort of sad but inspiring! WHat a cool celebration BTW
We haven’t been to the zoo in ages!! We had wanted to take the kids last time we were in. California but we ran out of time. Next time for sure.
I love animals but I’m not a fan of zoos since the incident at our local zoo, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. I do however appreciate all the zoo keepers that are trying to save different species.
If it’s the same Rio 4D movie that’s in the Columbia zoo, you’re going to love it. It’s so cute! I haven’t been to the San Diego zoo in over 20 years, and I so need to go back!
I love going to the zoo. All of the time I lived in so. Cal. I never had the chance to go here – now I wish I would have made the time.
I haven’t been there in years either! I love that zoo and this celebration is exactly up my alley.
We recently went to the North Carolina Zoo and had an amazing time. I love the zoo and would love to go back. I hope your time at the zoo is just as much fun as ours was!