These performances however triggered outcry from child protection groups, claiming Couney objectified the infants for monetary gain. Indeed, in 1897 as Couney was starting his career in the field of neonatology, an anonymous source in the medical journal "The Lancet" condemned the exposition as “an unscrupulous way to make money”. Couney defended his sideshow, claiming his exhibits were the last resort for many ‘preemies’, and that his survival rate was much higher in fact than many hospitals. In 1934, in order to demonstrate the importance and success rates of the incubators, Couney hosted a reunion at the Chicago World Fair for the babies that he and Dr Hess had cared for in 1933. On July 25, 1934, 41 of the 58 babies, accompanied by their mothers, returned to Coney Island for a ‘Homecoming’ ceremony.