The oldest specimen in the collection dates to the latter part of the 19th Century!
Over the past several decades, the zoologists and their students have accumulated collections of both vertebrates and invertebrates that rival those found in many universities.
Students (like you) prepared the great majority of the specimens. Come in and look around!

Vertebrate specimens are generally salvaged (found dead), or donated from private parties, agencies (such as the California Department of Fish and Game), or institutions (such as the San Diego Zoo). The specimens are continually used in a great many of the courses taught in the Department.

Invertebrates (in wet preservation, and a large collection of Mollusk shells): Nearly 3,000
Fish: Over 200
Reptiles and Amphibians: Over 200
Mammals (museum skins, live mounts, skulls and skeletons): Over 600
Birds (museum skins, live mounts, and skeletons): Over 1,000
Insects (drawers): 76

In addition to the specimens in preservation, there is a large collection of live animals as well. We are thus able to study comparative morphology, life histories, and a variety of behaviors by direct observation of our own critters.