As a boy growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Newt Gingrich was very fond of animals. When he was able, he enjoyed visiting the Philadelphia Zoo. At age 11, he decided that Harrisburg needed its own zoo. Wildwood Park in Harrisburg was a natural location for a zoo and the State of Pennsylvania could build and run it. A visit to City Hall, speaking with folks in Parks and Recreation, grabbing the attention of a mayoral candidate, and garnering some unexpected newspaper coverage launched young Newt’s ambitious plan for a zoo in Harrisburg.
Even at this early age, Gingrich knew how to make things happen. He had good mentors, like one of his uncles who gave him access to the State Library of Pennsylvania and another uncle who had been a precinct worker for many years.” Reading, politics, and living in a Republican stronghold provided an environment for Gingrich to foster his intrinsic inquisitiveness and learn early about the value of civic action.
