Alexandria Zoological Park

Alexandria Zoo, originally known as City Park Zoo, was established in 1926 at Bringhurst Park near its present location. The Zoo's animal collection began with discarded pets, such as rabbits, goats, and deer. Animals were housed in cages constructed of chain link fabric and iron bars with gravel, dirt or concrete floors. As far as can be determined, the zoo changed very little until the late 1960's or early 1970's when it was threatened with closure by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. In 1971, City Commissioner O'Hearn Mathews appointed the first zoo committee of concerned citizens, which evolved into Friends of the Alexandria Zoo (FOTAZ) under the direction of Mrs. Caroline Pitts and Dr. David McGraw, veterinarian for the Zoo.