Balboa Park in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Elmer C. Otto
1888 - 1963
Photographed by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret), March 11, 2026
1. Elmer C. Otto Marker
Zoological Society of San Diego
Benefactor
whose love of children
and dedication to their learning
made this building possible.
Sculptured by
Holger and Helen Jenson
Erected by Holger and Hellen Jensen, sculptors.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 32° 44.033′ N, 117° 8.903′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Balboa Park. It can be reached from Zoo Place west of Park Boulevard, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego CA 92101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Celebrating 100 Years of Animal Care and Conservation (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth (about 300 feet away); Balboa Park Carousel (about 500 feet away); The Botanical Building (about 700 feet away); 1915-16 Isthmus (Fun Zone) (about 700 feet away); Laguna de Las Flores (about 700 feet away);
this page online
Additional keywords. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Photographed by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret), March 11, 2026
2. Elmer C. Otto Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret) of Coronado, California. This page has been viewed 21 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Col. James F. Jamison, USMC (Ret) of Coronado, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
