It Began with a Roar
The 1915-17 Panama–California Exposition in San Diego, CA was meant to promote the small city as the first US port of call for ships traveling north after passing through the Panama Canal. Creating a large urban area called Balboa Park, the architecture of "temporary buildings" set a stage of illusion. At its end, most buildings, pathways, and watercourses were meant to be razed.
When the Panama–California Exposition concluded, the company in charge of the wild animal exhibit left behind only a few caretakers. Moving forward from their big party, the city of San Diego had little plan or expertise in how to care for the 32 cages holding vulnerable kangaroos, bears, buffalos, lions, leopards, hyenas, wolves, baboons, monkeys, parrots, and cockatoos placed along today’s Park Boulevard.
The spark that set into motion the San Diego Zoo “began with a roar” as a local doctor and his brother were driving past the animal cages.
Hearing the deep prolonged cry, Dr. Harry Wegeforth, thought to himself that San Diego ought to keep these temporary animals, if only he could create a permanent zoo. Together with several other members of the San Diego medical community, Wegeforth began his long, passionate quest. Forming the Zoological Society of San Diego, the project was considered to be public joke, referred to as “Wegeforth’s Folly.”
In 1917, Wegeforth persevered and started a membership campaign to raise support. The city of San Diego did not grant him permanent land in Balboa Park until 1921. Having land, local philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps donated $9,000 to build boundary fences. Completing the fence in 1923, the zoo then charged 10 cents for admission, creating its’ first source of income.
During its’ 100 years, the San Diego Zoo has reinvented itself and pioneered ways forward for other zoos. Today, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcome 5 million people a year after it’s shaky start.
We never know how a small spark or joke that illuminates within us will evolve. I sense that Harry Wegeforth never could have imagined millions of people visiting San Diego Zoo over the years when he heard the roar of a pitiful lion from his traveling car. (I do recognize and hope all animals could be free, but some do need permanent care.)
Witnessing perhaps some of the fastest pace of innovation the world has ever seen, we are being asked to step forward and help realize new dreams. Be the courage to listen to your spark. We never know how many others may just follow along with the folly. If it is meant to have staying power for the highest good for all, God will send the donors and supporters and cheerleaders to help pave the way forward. May we have ears to hear the still silent voice of the Divine or the prolonged cries of another in a roar. May we have the eyes to see the needs, the hearts to be moved into motion, and the hands to accomplish the lifting.