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San Antonio ZooThe San Antonio Zoo first consisted of a collection of animals assembled in San Pedro Park in the 1800s. In 1914, Colonel George W. Brackenridge, one of the city's leading citizens and founder of the San Antonio Express-News, placed buffalo, elk, deer, monkeys, a pair of lions, and four bears on land he had deeded over to the city in what is now known as Brackenridge Park. This collection became the San Antonio Zoo.
Much has changed since Colonel Brackenridge assembled his collection of animals in 1914. Today, it is home to more than 3,800 animals representing 750 species. Here are a few of the Zoo’s current exhibits: * African Plains Throughout its history, the Zoo's volunteer leaders have not only provided generous financial support, they have also encouraged innovation. In November 1929, two of the first cageless exhibits in America--the Barless Bear Terraces and the Primate Paradise--opened, offering visitors unprecedented views of animals. When the Richard Friedrich Aquarium was dedicated in 1948, it was described in the local press as "the world's greatest." The Hixon Bird House, funded through the efforts of Colonel Frederick C. Hixon, opened in 1966, featuring a simulated tropical rain forest and free-flying birds. The Zoo's bird collection is now one of the world's largest. Hixon understood well, as have the Zoo's many benefactors over the years, that great zoos are far more than collections of exotic animals; they are also centers for world-class research, education, and conservation. Much has changed since Colonel Brackenridge assembled his collection of animals in 1914. While the colonel may not have imagined what the San Antonio Zoo would become, we can only hope that he would appreciate all that the Zoo has accomplished for the people of San Antonio, for science, for children, and for the Earth itself. For 91 years, the collective efforts of dedicated individuals have helped it become one of the best in the nation. The Zoo is home to over 3,500 animals representing 750 species of animals on 56 acres. More than 850,000 guests visit the San Antonio Zoo annually - 123,000 of those being children participating in education programs and 103,00 school children coming on field trips.
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