The Dickerson Park Zoo was established in 1922 by the Springfield Park Board. It was developed through the efforts of WPA labor and funds in the early 30?s. In the span of forty years, very little support was given to the park so that little or no development was added to it. By 1975, the zoo was on the verge of shutting down, but with the help of a support group, the zoo was saved. It was during the next ten years that the zoo began to experience some significant improvements. Thanks to the Friends of Zoo organization, today, the Dickerson Park Zoo is considered a home by hundreds of animals that represent at least 150 species from all over the world.