Santa Barbara Zoo will celebrate the life of its first director, Edward “Ted” McToldridge, 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 29 on the zoo’s hilltop.
“Ted dedicated his life to building the Santa Barbara Zoo,” said Rich Block, president/CEO of the zoo. “His passion for animal care ran deep, and his vision and dream for what this place could be has truly become a reality that millions of guests from near and far get to enjoy today.
“Ted instilled in us the privilege we share working in the care and conservation of the animals at the zoo. He cherished his staff and animals so much, and leaves a tremendous legacy for us all. He will be dearly missed,” Block said.
McToldridge led the organization through its early development, while often caring for the animals and maintaining the grounds himself. He remained at the zoo’s helm for more than three decades.
Exceedingly resourceful, McToldridge managed to build a lot of the zoo with very little money. His creativity and eye for aesthetics are evident everywhere on zoo grounds, from lush landscaping, donated by local nurseries and Lotusland, to the original animal exhibits that he designed and built himself.
Friends and family of McToldridge, the McToldridge family, and community members are invited to attend. No reservations are required, and casual attire is recommended.
The McToldridge family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Santa Barbara Zoo in honor of McToldridge to continue his life’s work and pay tribute to his legacy.