Zoological Society Archives and Rare Book Collection

The Society Archives and rare books occupy a special climate-controlled room within the Library. Some of the unique holdings include the earliest editions of the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London dating from 1855, the original manuscript of founder Harry Wegeforth’s It Began with a Roar, oral histories, keeper diaries, and newspaper clippings from the San Diego Zoo’s inception in 1916. A collection of international zoo guidebooks dates from the mid-1800s. Artifacts include Laurence M. Klauber’s snake hook and Harry Wegeforth’s elephant ankus. An online finding aid provides access to approximately 400 objects of historical significance.