The Houston Zoo opened in September 1922, when it was situated in Sam Houston Park. In 1921, the city of Houston bought some animals for its original collection, and then came up with the idea of establishing a zoo. The zoo facilities were later redeployed in Herman Park, and the Houston Zoo has been in Herman Park ever since. The zoo once tasted what was known as the Herman Park Zoo. The zoo's first director was Hans Nagle. He began working in Herman Park in 1922, and later became the first director of the zoo in 1925, when the zoo became large. The zoo did not have to pay any fees to enter before 1988.