San Diego Zoo Guide Book Value Guide

San Diego Zoo Balboa Park Guide Book | eBay
San Diego Zoo Guide Book
Estimated Value
$10 – $15
Period
1959
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper

This 1959 San Diego Zoo Guide Book serves as a mid-century time capsule, documenting the layout and educational focus of one of the world's most prestigious zoological institutions. Featuring a prominent elephant on the cover, it captures the zoo's evolution during its fourth decade of operation in Balboa Park.

What Is San Diego Zoo Guide Book Worth?

The typical price range for San Diego Zoo Guide Book is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • Physical condition of the paper, including the absence of tears, foxing, or water damage.
  • Completeness of the guide, specifically ensuring all internal maps and photo plates are intact.
  • Presence of original ephemera like tucked-in ticket stubs or dated notations from the 1959 visit.
  • The vibrancy of the cover colors and the lack of significant spine wear or creasing.

How to Identify San Diego Zoo Guide Book?

  • Verify the 1959 publication date typically found on the title page or copyright notice.
  • Confirm the presence of the specific cover art featuring an elephant illustration.
  • Check for the original paper binding and internal maps detailing the zoo's mid-century layout.
  • Look for the introduction section that outlines the zoo's history from its 1916 founding.

History of San Diego Zoo Guide Book

The San Diego Zoo, founded in 1916, is one of the oldest and most respected zoos in the world. Guide books like this one were essential for visitors to navigate the sprawling park and learn about its diverse animal collection. These guides offer a snapshot into the zoo's exhibits and educational priorities of the era.

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