An exhibit on 100 years of the San Diego Zoo is scheduled to open Sunday morning at the San Diego History Center.
"The Lore Behind the Roar: 100 Years of the San Diego Zoo," tells the story of the zoo's evolution to become a major tourist attraction and conservation organization with global impact.
The zoo grew out of the 1915 Panama-California Exhibition, when surgeon Dr. Harry Wegeforth heard a roar from a lion that was left alone in a cage, and mentioned to his brother that it would be great if San Diego had a zoo, according to the theme park.
Historic objects, photos and multimedia presentations cover around 5,500 square feet of gallery space in three halls to showcase the zoo's rise from its humble beginnings.
Zoo officials said a public celebration of the attraction's 100th birthday will be held May 14 at 6 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The event will include music, food and what organizers call a "zoo-themed spectacle."
