Wegeforth had a dazzling passion for animals. He believed animals were just as important as people and there his quest began. That same evening, Wegeforth went to the San Diego Union and talked to the city editor, Clarence McGrew. The next morning a prominently placed article was featured explaining how Dr. Wegeforth could start a zoological society for San Diego. In the article he continued to explain the zoo was to be maintained out of the funds that the society would raise through dues and subscriptions. The animals left from the exposition were to be the base for the project and the cost of maintaining them was not very large. The public response to his article was instantaneous and gratifying. Wegeforth received calls from many people eager to help his cause and give assistance where the could. Some of the early animals were cast-off pets from Navy ships, such as the picture at left of the bear "Lady" from the U.S.S. Jason in 1922. It appeared the zoo was looking like a reality instead of a childhood fantasy.