Founded in 1905, the zoo includes low-lying areas densely developed with smaller exhibits for animals as well as rocky forested hillsides devoted to larger habitats for Species Survival Plan programs.

[citation needed] The renovation project saw the inclusion of elephants, giraffes, zebras, pygmy hippopotamus, sea lions, and many other large animals.

[8] The zoo continued to operate through the 1970s and 1980s and began breeding endangered species, including orangutans, kinkajous, siamang, and kudus.

[citation needed] On November 12, 1990, state budget cuts caused the Stone Zoo to cease operation.

[citation needed] During this transition period, the zoo fell into disrepair and lost all of its large animals, with the exception of Major who remained until his death in 2000.