Celebrating 125 Years of a Toledo Landmark: The Toledo Zoo
Posted on May 19, 2025
by Heather H
Toledo Zoo Aviary (late 1930s)
Walbridge Park, Toledo, Ohio (approximately 1950)
Spectators watch a musical performance at the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater
Hippopotamus and Zookeeper at the Toledo Zoo, Toledo, Ohio (approximately 1930)
Have you ever been someplace and wondered what the walls or grounds would say if they could talk? The things historical places could tell us. The advice they could give. The experiences they lived. The lessons they’ve witnessed. For me, several important Toledo landmarks qualify as such places: the Toledo Museum of Art, the libraries, and the Toledo Zoo.
The Toledo Zoo is celebrating its 125th birthday this year, having navigated its way through the Great Depression, two world wars, and other significant historic events. Oh, the things we could learn if those grounds could talk!
To celebrate their remarkable achievement, the Toledo Library is pulling out some of the resources is has on the Toledo Zoo—many located in our Local History Department and Digital Collections.
Toledo Zoo Polar Bears in their Outdoor Exhibit
Igor and Ivan Visit Main Library, Toledo, Ohio 1961
Arctic Owl at the Toledo Zoo, Toledo, Ohio (approximately 1960)
Schoolchildren meet an elephant in front of the Toledo Zoo Carnivora
Merry-Go-Round, The Toledo Zoo
Monkey Island, Toledo Zoo
50th Anniversary Guide Book
Throughout the years, people and animals came and went. The one constant has been the Toledo Zoo’s role as a place for families to connect to the natural world, have a fun and relaxing day out, and enjoy the excitement and fascination on their children’s faces as they discover their favorite or new animals. As with any institution that has been around a while, the Toledo Zoo has seen some incredible changes throughout the years.
From one Toledo landmark to another, the Toledo Library would like to congratulate the Toledo Zoo for its 125th anniversary. We are so excited to see what the next 125 years brings you!
Toledo Centennial Homecoming Celebration, commemorative stamps, 1937
Kodiak Bear at the Toledo Zoo
The Toledo Zoo’s First 100 Years
Wonder Valley, The Children’s Zoo at The Toledo Zoo
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