William Temple (1854-1937) New York Zoological Park. Hornaday

About the Author

William Temple Hornaday (1854-1937) was a pioneering American conservationist, zoologist, and author whose lifelong dedication to wildlife preservation profoundly shaped environmental awareness in the United States. Born in Indiana, Hornaday began his career as a taxidermist and explorer, traveling extensively to document endangered species, which fueled his passionate advocacy against overhunting and habitat destruction. As the first director of the New York Zoological Park (now the Bronx Zoo) from 1896 to 1926, he transformed it into a leading institution for education and conservation, authoring influential works that bridged science and public engagement. His efforts helped establish key wildlife protection laws and inspired generations to value biodiversity, leaving an enduring legacy in the fight to save America's vanishing fauna.