San Diego author Sandra E. Bonura will discuss the woman who transformed the San Diego Zoo at a free talk at the Carlsbad City Library on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Bonura's new book, "The Zoo Lady: How Belle Benchley Built the San Diego Zoo," tells the story of a reluctant bookkeeper who took a temporary position she openly "dreaded" in 1927 and stayed for nearly three decades, according to the book's publisher, the University of Nebraska Press. Benchley became the world's first woman director of a major zoo and the first woman elected president of the national association now known as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The talk begins at 11 a.m. at the library, 1775 Dove Lane. Doors open 30 minutes before the program, according to the city's event listing. A book signing follows the discussion, and copies will be available for purchase while supplies last.

No registration is required. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Benchley rejected Victorian-style cages and pioneered the open-air, moated enclosures that became standard in modern zoos, according to Bonura's author website. She also authored four best-selling books and coined the term "animal instinct," the publisher's description states.

In a July 2026 interview with SD Voyager, Bonura described the origin of her research career: "My journey into this career actually began with finding a bundle of century-old letters in an attic, and I've been hunting treasures in archives across the country ever since."

Bonura is a retired professor of education who has written eight books based on newly discovered primary sources, according to her SDSU Global Campus faculty page. Her previous titles include "Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego" and "The Sugar King of California: The Life of Claus Spreckels."

The KPBS event listing notes attendees will be invited to share their own favorite zoo memories during the program. A book purchase is not required to attend.

The Carlsbad City Library can be reached at (442) 339-2931.

Upcoming in Carlsbad: The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation's fall Speaker Series opens Saturday, Oct. 10. Carlsbad kids can visit LEGOLAND and two museums free through Saturday, Oct. 31.