An amazing Rex the Lion sculpture has debuted in front of the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park!
Wow! Look what debuted this morning in the recently renovated plaza in front of the San Diego Zoo! A gigantic sculpture of Rex the Lion, whose roar during Balboa Park’s 1915 Panama-California Exposition inspired Dr. Harry Wegeforth to establish a city zoo!
The amazing, mind-boggling 27-foot sculpture is made of 10 tons of stainless steel and bronze. It was created by the obviously talented people of Blue Rhino Studio. This landmark public artwork is sure to become an iconic sight known by people all around the world!
When I saw a mysterious construction fence here weeks ago, I originally surmised the historic Jessop’s Street Clock presently in Horton Plaza would be installed near the zoo’s entrance. Boy, was I wrong!
During the ceremony this morning, colorful puppeteers and costumed stilt walkers entertained the crowd right next to the sculpture, while a couple brief speeches were made. I noticed lots of huge smiles lit up faces–including my own!
Super cool!
A 27-foot 10 ton sculpture of a lion that inspired the San Diego Zoo’s founding now stands in a newly renovated plaza by the zoo’s entrance.Reporters and lovers of the zoo have gathered for a special dedication ceremony on Sunday morning.People wait for the historic event to begin.I learned this cool It Began With a Roar t-shirt logo was designed by a lady in the zoo’s marketing department. Very nice!The ceremony is starting! Looks what’s entering the area near Rex the Lion!A fun blue rhino circles around the sculpture to the delight of young and old alike!These cool costumed stilt-walkers circled around from the other side!Giraffes, too! Oh, man! What fun!Councilmember Chris Ward makes a short speech. Who knew sparsely populated San Diego a century ago would originate one of the world’s most famous zoos?In the plaza around the base of the Rex lion sculpture are a bunch of fun inlaid animals.Inlaid near the public art’s base is the shiny inscription Rex’s Roar. One Man – One Lion – One Encounter. 1916-2016. Celebrating 100 Years.I’ve spotted some flamingos nearby!Kids rush up to touch the golden sculpture!Another nearby sign indicates Rex’s Roar was made possible by a generous gift from Craig and Mark Grosvenor and their families.Everybody wants a close look!A gigantic golden lion now guards the entrance to the San Diego Zoo. It’s Rex, truly King of Beasts!An historic day at the much-beloved San Diego Zoo.Parrots take flight underfoot.Rex the Lion, inspiration for the San Diego Zoo’s creation, now lives eternally in Balboa Park!
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14 thoughts on “Rex the Lion sculpture debuts at San Diego Zoo!”
A magnificent beast, Richard. Thanks for sharing. –Curt
Great event, what fun. Totally amazed by the skill (aerodynamics?) involved in balancing that lion on one paw – and totally enchanted by those little inlaid animals.
The sculpture is so heavy, I imagine it was rather important to determine its center of gravity! I believe the initial model was created using 3D printing, if I recall correctly!
I like the idea of these unsung heroes — we admire the resulting art, but can too easily not think about the behind-the-scenes grunt work needed to make it possible.
Cool San Diego Sights! 
A magnificent beast, Richard. Thanks for sharing. –Curt
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I’ll have to get over there soon to see that beautiful sculpture! Thanks for the heads up.
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It’s worth the trip!
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Great event, what fun. Totally amazed by the skill (aerodynamics?) involved in balancing that lion on one paw – and totally enchanted by those little inlaid animals.
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The sculpture is so heavy, I imagine it was rather important to determine its center of gravity! I believe the initial model was created using 3D printing, if I recall correctly!
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I like the idea of these unsung heroes — we admire the resulting art, but can too easily not think about the behind-the-scenes grunt work needed to make it possible.
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I love it! I’m wondering, how can it stand on one paw? That’s amazing. Have a great day!
Marianne
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You too!
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Great post and amazing statue
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It is really amazing!
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Saw it yesterday for the first time, really captures the spirit of the zoo! Quality post as well!
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Thanks!
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