The sheer size of Rex’s Roar Statue is impressive. This bronze giant stands over 27 feet tall. It weighs more than 20,000 pounds. It is located right here at the entrance to the San Diego Zoo.
Rex’s Roar is more than just a statue. It is a symbol of the zoo’s history. It all started with a roar over a century ago.
Let’s go back to 1915. The Panama-California International Exposition was happening. A lion named Rex was part of a menagerie. These animals were living in cages near Park Boulevard after the exposition. Dr. Harry Wegeforth and his brother Paul drove past Balboa Park one day. They heard a powerful roar. It was Rex. Dr. Wegeforth had an idea. He wanted to create a zoo in San Diego.
The statue honors Rex. It also celebrates Balboa Park’s art tradition. The San Diego Zoo unveiled Rex’s Roar on March 25, 2018. Crowds cheered. They roared too.
Rex’s unique pose is remarkable. He stands on a single paw. This required impressive engineering. The statue has a large footing. It also has a stainless steel frame. This supports the bronze pieces.
The making of Rex’s Roar involved many talented people. Tim Reamer made an original sketch. Jim Burt turned the sketch into a 3D model. Artworks Foundry cast the statue. Thornton Tomasetti handled the engineering.
Rex is surrounded by bronze animals. You can spot flamingos. There are also turtles, meerkats and an alligator. These animals help illustrate Dr. Wegeforth’s dream. He wanted to unite people with wildlife.
Two brothers donated a million dollars to the project. Their names are Craigar and Mark Grosvenor. The total cost was 1.7 million dollars.
Rick Schwartz is a San Diego Zoo Global ambassador. He said Rex is more than an engineering marvel. He said it is a reminder of where the zoo came from. It showcases Dr. Harry Wegeforth’s dream.
San Diego City Councilmember Chris Ward also spoke at the unveiling. He represents District 3. This includes Balboa Park.
Rex’s Roar is the largest cantilever bronze animal statue in the world. It is a gift to the people of San Diego. The statue has become an icon. It represents the zoo’s efforts in education and conservation. The roar continues in the hearts of those who love wildlife. It connects the zoo and the city. It reminds people of the zoo’s origins. The golden color shines brightly. It embodies the spirit of the San Diego Zoo.