Recreational Map San Diego Zoo [Title on Verso]

Gorgeous pictorial souvenir from the San Diego Zoo.

This lovely illustrated bird’s eye view shows a colorful stylized depiction of the San Diego Zoo. Although the intention is not for geographic accuracy, the world-renowned zoo is hardly recognizable compared to the vast and modernized complex today.

A wide variety of animals are pictured across several distinct geographic areas, divided into canyons and mesas. Though these names imply elevation changes, the image gives little indication of the zoo’s hilly terrain. Guests are also depicted; enjoying the various amenities, ogling the exhibits, and even feeding a bear a sandwich from the tram car! A view of Balboa Park and a transportation map of San Diego can be found on the verso.

Design by Art Service Studio and lithographed in San Diego by Frye & Smith. Published around 1959 by Lowell E. Jones. One of several editions issued as souvenir mailers between the mid-1950s and early 1960s.

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