Did you know that Woodland Park Zoo started as a small menagerie? It wasn’t always the expansive wildlife haven we see today. It began on the estate of Guy C Phinney a lumber mill owner and real estate developer. Woodland Park Zoo sits nestled in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood.
Imagine the year 1899. Six years after Phinney’s passing his wife sold 188 acres of Woodland Park to the city. This included the small menagerie. The deal involved $5000 in cash and the assumption of a large mortgage. Then-mayor W D Wood vetoed the acquisition. The city council overruled him. This pivotal moment shaped the future of Woodland Park Zoo.
The zoo expanded in 1968 thanks to the Forward Thrust ballot measures. Architect George Bartholick designed a master plan including a lid over Aurora Avenue. New exhibits were planned to the east in Woodland Park. Local residents opposed the plan. It was rejected in a 1974 citywide ballot initiative. This highlights the community’s involvement in the zoo’s development.
David Hancocks the zoo’s director in 1975 revolutionized exhibits. He introduced landscape immersion exhibits. Animals were placed in natural habitats. Visitors were also immersed in these environments. This idea though initially criticized. It became the standard for naturalistic exhibits globally. Woodland Park Zoo’s innovative approach influenced zoo design worldwide.
Woodland Park Zoo now boasts 92 acres. It attracts over a million visitors annually. Its collection includes over 900 animals from 250 species. The zoo houses a sensory garden. Thousands of trees and plants enhance the visitor experience. It showcases a remarkable biodiversity.
Many exhibits highlight diverse ecosystems. Tropical Asia is the largest section focusing on South and Southeast Asia. The African Savanna section recreates the grasslands of Africa. Australasia features Australian species. The Living Northwest Trail depicts Northwestern America’s taiga. Tropical Rainforest explores jungles of South and Central America and Africa. Temperate Forest showcases creatures from temperate woodlands. Each area is carefully designed to replicate natural habitats.
The zoo received many Best National Exhibit awards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It’s renowned for conservation efforts. Woodland Park Zoo is a significant contributor to wildlife conservation and education. Its commitment to animal welfare is evident in its naturalistic exhibits. The Zoo’s history is full of challenges and triumphs. Its present state is a testament to its dedication to conservation and community engagement. Woodland Park Zoo continues to inspire visitors. It provides a unique blend of education entertainment and conservation.