Zoo_History_and_Basics

Question 1

Q: First recorded method of displaying common/exotic animals in captivity?

Answer 1

A menagerie: a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition
Mostly connected with an aristocratic or royal court; situated within a garden or park of a palace.
Aristocrats’ intentions not primarily scientific or educational
Illustrated aristocrats’/royals’ power and wealth.

Question 2

Q: What was considered the first formal zoo

Answer 2

15th century BC, the menagerie of Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt
Had hippos, hartebeest, elephants, wild cats, and contained first giraffe ever seen in Egypt.

Question 3

Q: What (broad) group popularized exotic animal keeping? When?

Answer 3

Europeans during the Middle Ages

Question 4

Q: What was the most impressive of the royal zoos in 18th century Europe? Notable features?

Answer 4

Palace of Versaille, built by Louis XIV of France.
Considered the first zoological garden and was the first bona fide public zoo.
Had many innovative ideas including camouflaging cages and arranging enclosures in circular manor around a central courtyard.

Question 5

Q: Oldest zoo still in existence

Answer 5

Tiergarten Schonbrunn, opened in Vienna Austria in 1752.
Initially built for imperial family and court
Made accessible to public in 1779.
Evolved into the Vienna Zoo

Question 6

Q: First American zoo?

Answer 6

Philadelphia zoo was charted in 1859, but opening was delayed for 15 years due to the civil war.
Central Park Zoo opened in 1864 and also claims to be first.
When Philadelphia Zoo opened in 1874, there were 3,000 guest on first day. Mission: Conservation, research, education and recreation.

Question 7

Q: Early methods for exhibiting animals?

Answer 7

Haphazard, bare barred cages, individual specimens of each species. Ignored animal’s social behavior/structure. Focus on keeping animals in view, and cost/efficiency.

Question 8

Q: Who is considered the father of the modern zoo?

Answer 8

Carl Hagenbeck (1844 – 1913)
German merchant of wild animals
Supplied many European zoos and P. T. Barnum.
Created the modern zoo [see other card for description]

Question 9

Q: Name some characteristics of the “modern” zoo that Carl Hagenbeck created

Answer 9

-Animal enclosures without bars that were closer to their natural habitat.
-More spacious enclosures for animals to move around.
-Used ditches and moats to separate animals from visitors
-Designed the tiergarten outside Hamburg in 1902 that became the blueprint for zoos of the future.
-Eventually, these naturalistic landscapes contained groups of mixed species.
-Visitor immersed in natural or recreated habitat.

Question 10

Q: What was the zoo originally called? When did the name change?

Answer 10

The Herbert Fleishhacker Zoo (named after founder)
Name officially changed to the “San Francisco Zoological Gardens” on February 27, 1941 (following suggestion of Fleishhacker)
In 2014, official name became the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens to reflect the bountiful gardens and plentiful plants.

Question 11

Q: How much land does the zoo occupy?

Answer 11

100 acres

Question 12

Q: When were the major zoo exhibit structures initially built? At what cost?

Answer 12

1930s and 1940s as part of a depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) project at a cost of $3.5 million.

Question 13

Q: What was the Works Progress Administration?

Answer 13

Former federal agency (1935–43) charged with instituting and administering public works to relieve national unemployment during Great Depression.

Question 14

Q: Which structures were part of the initial exhibits built as part of a WPA project? What was notable about them?

Answer 14

10 structures including Monkey Island, Lion House, Elephant House, a sea lion pool, an aviary, and bear grottos. [Also Penguin Island? Slide is unclear.]
These spacious, moated enclosures were among the first bar-less exhibits in the country.

Question 15

Q: What is the SF Zoological Society?

Answer 15

Private, non-profit, membership organization dedicated to increasing interest, concern and knowledge about wildlife.

Question 16

Q: The primary purpose of the Zoo Docent Council?

Answer 16

Provide educational services in conjunction with Zoo’s education department.

Question 17

Q: History of the SF Zoological Society?

Answer 17

-1954, founded.
-1968, Zoo Docent Council established. [purpose on separate card]
-1993 (Oct.), SFZS entered into a new partnership with the city of San Francisco and through a lease agreement, now manages the entire zoo. [details on separate card]
-Since then, the SFZS has made dramatic improvements and rebuilt exhibits throughout the Zoo.

Question 18

Q: Describe the relationship between the organization(s) running/funding the zoo

Answer 18

-SF Zoological Society manages the entire zoo (entered into a new partnership with the city of San Francisco in 1993 and, through a lease agreement, now manages the entire zoo.)
-City continues to partially fund zoo and participate in decision making on major projects and policies.
-Zoo is governed under the Recreation and Park Commission and a Board of Directors governs the Society.
-A Joint Zoo Committee is made up of three members of the Recreation and Park Commission and three members of the Board, which oversees policy and provides a public forum.
-The joint operation is funded through gate admission fees, retail sales, Membership dues, contributions, and direct support from the City.

Question 19

Q: Name the major SFZG regions (animal-focused regions only) (just names, details on separate cards)

Answer 19

African Region
Lipman Lemur Forest (+ Great Ape Passage)
Cat Kingdom
Bear Country
South America
Outback Trail
Exploration Zone

Question 20

Q: Name some areas of the zoo besides animal exhibits that are worth highlighting (just names, details on separate cards)

Answer 20

Greenie’s Conservation Corner
Gail’s Fragrance Garden
Elinor Friend Playground + Animal Sculpture Learning Plaza

Question 21

Q: When did the Lion House open?

Answer 21

1940, one of the original 1935 WPA projects.

Question 22

Q: Notable features of Zoo’s habitat for Giraffes, Zebras, etc.

Answer 22

The African Savanna (inside African Region) is a 2.5 acre mixed-species exhibit with mammals and birds.
Keepers have the ability to separate the space into two halves for animal management. The space demonstrates herd dynamics and the exhibit itself promotes enrichment.

Question 23

Q: Notable features of our lemur habitat

Answer 23

The Lipman Lemur Forest is the largest outdoor lemur habitat in the country.
One of the only ones to give lemurs access to climb numerous large, natural trees throughout the exhibit.
Multi-species habitat exhibits the plight of lemurs in Madagascar and brings global awareness to Madagascar as a biodiversity hotspot.

Question 24

Q: What is Greenie’s Conservation Corner?

Answer 24

(located south of Great Ape Passage)
A garden that demonstrates energy and water conservation and sustainable growing practices.
Lively, sustainable space interactively engages visitors and helps inspire “green” practices at home, school, and within the community.
Was unveiled as part of the Earth Day celebration in 2010.

Question 25

Q: Where can visitors experience botanical aromas at the zoo?

Answer 25

Gail’s Fragrance Garden, a sensory and fragrance garden.
South of Great Ape Passage

Question 26

Q: Where can children go for hands-on experiences and other kid-focused educational exhibits?

Answer 26

The Exploration Zone introduces children to animals
Located north of the carousel.
Includes: Children’s Farm (includes petting zoo), a red panda exhibit, the Insect Zoo, which teaches the importance of biodiversity in nature and the significance of preserving entire ecosystems.

Question 27

Q: Where is a good place for children to play off-leash?

Answer 27

The Elinor Friend Playground
Located north of the carousel
Modeled after three distinct bio-regions which take their themes from specific ecosystems
Different bio-regions appeal to distinct age groups
Includes the Animal Sculpture Learning Plaza (details on separate card)

Question 28

Q: What is the Animal Sculpture Learning Plaza?

Answer 28

Nearly 100 sculptures and reliefs illustrate the amazing array of adaptations from some of the world’s most unique species.
Designed by Scientific Art Studio
Intended to be explored through touch.

Question 29

Q: Exhibit highlight: Andean condor

Answer 29

Female Andean condor, hatched 1985, “Claudia”
New habitat across from Lion House next to the giant anteater habitat. [but I thought I saw her with the birds in the South America area]
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a South American vulture species and considered the largest flying bird in the world
Wingspan of up to 10 feet.
As the heaviest species of flighted birds
Spend much of their time perched or on the ground
Scavengers that frequently explore on the ground
We provide our condors with opportunities to explore, investigate and gain rewards by providing enrichment opportunities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Current exhibit is temporary; designing a new exhibit for her near the Tropical Building
Classified as “vulnerable to extinction” by the IUCN; approximately 6,700 adult condors remaining in the wild.

Question 30

Q: Exhibit highlight: pygmy hippo

Answer 30

Named Udo, means “peace” in parts of Western Africa.
Born April 2020 at San Diego Wildlife Alliance.
Shy, nocturnal animals
Substantially smaller than their Nile hippo counterparts; 400-500 pounds compared to 4,000 pounds!
Different adaptations for more terrestrial life, like proportionally longer legs and less webbed feet.
Listed as Endangered due to threats of habitat destruction, bushmeat trade, and civil unrest

Question 31

Q: Exhibit highlight: jaguar

Answer 31

New male jaguar from Sacramento Zoo.
Born at San Diego Zoo in April 2012, moved to the Sacramento Zoo in 2013.
Name, Lamont, means “kind, handsome and distinguished” in a Scandinavian language.
125 lbs.
Jaguars have shortest tail of the big cats.
Jaguars have the strongest bites of all mammals.
Temporary housing until new exhibit can be constructed.
Will be receiving a female in the future as the result of a recommendation by AZA’s Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Jaguars’ range once included California.

Question 32

Q: Exhibit highlight: what is the newest mural at the zoo?

Answer 32

Mosaic mural depicts collage of animals of the savanna
In homage to Floyd, the late patriarch of the Zoo’s reticulated giraffes
Also to honor Zoo’s support of giraffe conservation.
22 animals depicted include giraffes, Grant’s zebras, Greater kudu, ostriches and African crowned cranes.
In tunnel leading to the the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna.
Local artist: Henry Jackson
Used small Murano glass tiles and the style of mosaics that are in the Mother’s building.

Question 33

Q: What is the Mother’s building

Answer 33

Currently closed to the public
Located on north side of zoo
Was original entrance along Sloat
Was a refuge for mothers and their children.

Question 34

Q: What’s that recently completed construction in the middle of the zoo with the big tree?

Answer 34

The Lipman Family Madagascar Center
Opened Sept. 2023.
Can enter giant replica of Baobab tree from upper level on elevated boardwalk from Liman Family Lemur Forest.
Inside you will find variety of Malagasy invertebrate species.
Just across from baobab on same level, see the female fossa
Fossa: Madagascar’s largest carnivorous mammal, the island’s apex predator, and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. (Male fossa will continue to be off exhibit)

Question 35

Q: Briefly describe the history of exotic animal exhibition in SF that led to the creation of the Zoo

Answer 35

Initially [zoo animals] were housed in Woodward’s Gardens (1866 - 1890) of the Mission District.
During the 1890-1943 tenure of GGP superintendent John McLaren, there were exhibits at GGP including bears, emus, beavers, sheep, kangaroos, moose, goats, elk, and bison in the park meadows as well as a two-acre aviary full of birds.
When Herbert Fleishhacker (President of SF Parks Commission starting in 1918) wanted to exhibit other animals such as lions, tigers, great apes and elephants, the zoo’s current setting was proposed. Fleishhacker[/city?] bought the land in 1922.
[Fleishhacker pool opened in 1925; pool closed in 1971; became zoo parking lot in 2002.]
SF Zoo was established in 1929.

Question 36

Q: What was the first animal [in the collection that would become the SF Zoo]

Answer 36

A grizzly bear named Monarch. Monarch was California’s last captive California grizzly (now extinct), and he became an important symbol of the state’s evolving relationship with vanishing wildlife. (Was the model for the flag!)
In 1889, San Francisco Examiner media magnate, William Randolph Hearst, engaged one of his reporters, Allen Kelly, in debate over whether grizzlies still existed in California. Hearst challenged Kelly to go out and find one.
After nine months in the San Gabriel Mountains, Monarch was captured and lived more than 20 years in captivity; first at Woodward’s Gardens, then in Golden Gate Park. He never made it to the Zoo’s current location but is credited for causing Fleishhacker to find the current location.

Question 37

Q: What is the mission of the SF Zoo?

Answer 37

“To connect people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature, and advance conservation action.”
Primary mission: conservation, and being an ambassador therefor.

Question 38

Q: How does the SF Zoo support and advance the welfare of their collection?

Answer 38

By providing quality animal care and enrichment.
The Zoo’s Wellness and Conservation Center looks at developing techniques and implementing practices that ensure the animals are thriving.
The welfare of the collection is one of the Zoo’s main priorities.

Question 39

Q: Name an award the SF zoo recently won

Answer 39

The SF Zoo & Gardens recently won the 2022 Sustainability Award at the Excellence in Business Awards (“EBBIES”) given by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.