[Animals] A look back at the history of the San Antonio Zoo

[FazzNoth]

A lot has changed since the zoo made its debut in 1914.

The San Antonio Zoo announced in February the monumental return of gorillas, back to the menagerie after the noble creatures' 30-year absence from the grounds. Three decades may appear to be a long time, but the history of the zoo itself extends far past the day it was decided that the last gorilla would exit San Antonio for good (or so they thought) and renest at the Smithsonian's National Zoo.

So when did the San Antonio Zoo first open its doors, and how did it evolve into what it is today? Keep reading for a historical look back at one of the oldest zoos in the country, which also happens to be among the city’s most po[CENSORED]r family attractions.

 

The opening of the San Antonio Zoo 
The year 1914 is when the zoo in Brackenridge Park owes its entrance into the world. San Antonio is Military City, USA , the aphorism goes, so it's fitting that the over 100-year-old institution was molded by a serviceman. 

Col. George W. Brackenridge deeded the park to the city in 1899. Brackenridge, a man about town, was also known for serving as the longest-serving Regent for the University of Texas. Fifteen years after the park was born, he officially donated his collection of animals and the zoo came to be, built from the limestone quarries that San Antonio settlers used to construct some of San Antonio's historic locations.

Brackenridge's arc, different than Noah's, included buffalo, elk, deer, monkeys, a pair of lions and four bears. From there, the attraction caught motion. However, before this motley crew ever came together, other zoological endeavors were already operating in the city.

While it may not look like one now, the zoo formerly occupying San Pedro Springs Park is credited to be be the first municipally-owned zoo in town. It officially functioned from 1910 to about 1915, however according to archival news articles, animal exhibits existed in the park as early as the mid 1800s. In addition, a small collection of animals — namely ostriches and alligators — also existed at Hot Wells, which at the time operated as a luxury destination for Hollywood elite.

By November 1929, two of the first "cageless" exhibits in the nation debuted at the zoo we know today. The Barless Bear Terraces and Primate Paradise offered visitors a no-holds-barred viewing experience of bears and primates — curious creatures for our subtropical southern enclave. 

The addition of the Friedreich Aquarium
The post-war year of 1948 was another landmark for the San Antonio Zoo, as it was the year the Friedreich Aquarium was first established — dedicated in the name of Richard Friedrich, president of the San Antonio Zoological Society. 

When it first came onto the scene, it was said to "enhance the reputation of the Alamo City." The aquarium was the only one occupying the city until SeaWorld opened its doors to the public in 1988.

"Already the queen city for the Army and the Airforce, San Antonio's new aquarium built by the San Antonio Zoological Society is the second such exhibit west of the Mississippi River and one of 12 in the United States," read the San Antonio Express on November 13, 1948.  

That same year, local newspapers described some of the zoo's other po[CENSORED]r attractions. At the top of the list was a fast-talking, nine-year-old Indian Myna bird named Jackie. 

One June write-up from the San Antonio Express described the relationship between the bird and zoo curator and educator, Fred Starke through his eyes. 

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