One of the first attractions visitors see and hear as they enter the Zoo is also one of the oldest: the historic Dentzel Carousel built by William H. Dentzel in 1921.The intricately hand-carved wooden carousel is one of the finest examples of a lavish and expensive art that ended with the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Since then, carousel animals have been made of cast metal and fiberglass. The Carousel is located near the Fisher Family Children’s Zoo.
Carousel rides are $2 per person. Adults may ride free when standing by a paid child.
Recently, the San Francisco Zoo completed construction on a new plaza surrounding its beloved Dentzel Carousel. The plaza was designed to create a unique and memorable community resource for birthday parties, family gatherings and special events of all kinds. Three bench walls define the plaza’s exterior that will enable guests to sit back, relax and watch riders enjoy one of the City’s most magnificent historical treasures.
For $500, you and your family can share the experience of creating your own 8 x 8-inch commemorative tile that will be mounted upon the benches’ backrests. You may wish to have each of your children customize their own tile or you may choose to work together as a family to design your own family tile — you are only limited by your own creativity and the size of the tile canvas!
There are only a limited number of tiles available for purchase, so if you would like your family to have a lasting association with the Zoo, we urge you to contact the Office of Annual Giving at (415) 753-7289. All drawings and payment must be received by June 30, 2007. Tiles will be installed in August of 2007.
One of the first attractions visitors see and hear as they enter the Zoo is also one of the oldest: the historic Dentzel Carousel built by William H. Dentzel in 1921.The intricately hand-carved wooden carousel is one of the finest examples of a lavish and expensive art that ended with the Great Depression of the 1930’s. Since then, carousel animals have been made of cast metal and fiberglass. The Carousel is located near the Fisher Family Children’s Zoo.