The Arizona Historical Society’s Journal of Arizona History published an article this month by historian David Leighton about the very beginnings of Reid Park Zoo, taking a close look at 1965 to 1978. As Reid Park Zoo approaches its 60th anniversary in 2025, we are grateful to Gene C. Reid and the many others who founded Reid Park Zoo. The legacy they leave behind is tremendous and we honor them for their contributions to the Zoo and our community.
We have enjoyed talking with David Leighton over the past several years as the story was developed, and the depth of his research is remarkable. We especially enjoyed connecting him with friends of the Zoo who were a part of those early days. People like former board member Bob Charles, curators, keepers and more. We loved seeing the old photographs, and marveling over the changes in the Zoo from those early days. We are grateful to the Tucson community and the individuals that built Reid Park Zoo and supported the Zoo in the evolution from those humble beginnings to the treasure it is today as a leader in animal well-being and conservation.
You can subscribe to the Arizona Historical Society to see the whole piece, or read a portion on the Arizona Daily Star’s website in the Street Smarts’ column or listen to David’s NPR interview. Watch for more news this fall about the 60th Anniversary celebration.