Founding of the San Diego Zoo (Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth)

Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth convened a meeting in 1916 that led to the creation of the Zoological Society of San Diego and the establishment of the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park that same year. Wegeforth, a physician, is credited with helping organize supporters and raise funds to secure animals and land for the zoo's early development. The San Diego Zoo grew from those efforts into a major zoological institution headquartered in Balboa Park.