Highest_priority_cards_1_-_all_duplicates Flashcards
Q: What was the zoo originally called? When did the name change?
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.
Q: How much land does the zoo occupy?
100 acres
Q: When were the major zoo exhibit structures initially built? At what cost?
1930s and 1940s as part of a depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) project at a cost of $3.5 million.
Q: What is the SF Zoological Society?
Private, non-profit, membership organization dedicated to increasing interest, concern and knowledge about wildlife.
Q: The primary purpose of the Zoo Docent Council?
Provide educational services in conjunction with Zoo’s education department.
Q: Name the major SFZG regions (animal-focused regions only) (just names, details on separate cards)
African Region
Lipman Lemur Forest (+ Great Ape Passage)
Cat Kingdom
Bear Country
South America
Outback Trail
Exploration Zone
Q: Name some areas of the zoo besides animal exhibits that are worth highlighting (just names, details on separate cards)
Greenie’s Conservation Corner
Gail’s Fragrance Garden
Elinor Friend Playground + Animal Sculpture Learning Plaza
CA conservation corridor
Q: What is Greenie’s Conservation Corner?
(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.
Q: Where can children go for hands-on experiences and other kid-focused educational exhibits?
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.
Q: What is the Animal Sculpture Learning Plaza?
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.
Q: What’s that recently completed construction in the middle of the zoo with the big tree?
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)
Q: Briefly describe the history of exotic animal exhibition in SF that led to the creation of the Zoo
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.
Q: What was the first animal [in the collection that would become the SF Zoo]
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.
Q: What is the mission of the SF Zoo?
“To connect people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature, and advance conservation action.”
Primary mission: conservation, and being an ambassador therefor.
Q: How does the SF Zoo support and advance the welfare of their collection?
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.
