San Diego Zoo in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bieler Plaza
Photographed by Jamie Gallant Jamison, September 14, 2026
1. Bieler Plaza Marker
Charles L. Bieler
Executive Director, 1973-1985
Zoological Society of San Diego
"If you want to be successful, hire good people and then you work for them." -Chuck Bieler
Charles "Chuck" Bieler championed science and research, which resulted in the founding of the Center for Reproduction of Endangered Species (CRES) and global conservation science programs. With his dynamic, friendly personality. Chuck was a beloved "friend-raiser." He built connections with his staff and the local community and cemented relationships with philanthropists who donated millions of dollars to the Zoological Society. He also cultivated international partnerships that ultimately brought koalas, giant pandas, and other renowned wildlife to San Diego.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Charity & Public Work • Education • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 32° 44.258′ N, 117° 8.981′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in San Diego Zoo. It is on Sydney’s Plaza at entrance to Urban Jungle. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Peninsular Ranges. It is also in the American Borderlands and on the Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on 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 Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bus Tour Transports Millions (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1915-16 Isthmus (Fun Zone) (approx. ¼ mile away); Celebrating 100 Years of Animal Care and Conservation (approx. ¼ mile away); The Freedom Tree (approx. ¼ mile away); Balboa Park Carousel (approx. ¼ mile away); Elmer C. Otto (approx. ¼ mile away); Dr. Harry M. Wegeforth (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Botanical Building (approx. 0.4 miles away).
Photographed by Jamie Gallant Jamison, September 14, 2026
2. Bieler Plaza Marker
More about this marker. The marker sits below a sculpture labeled Koala Bronze.
Additional keywords. Zoo, Conservation Science
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2026, by Jamie Gallant Jamison of Coronado, California. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2026, by Jamie Gallant Jamison of Coronado, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
