The evening times., 1899-05-22
CROWDS INSPECT THE
ZOOS new specimens
Commander TOdd's Gift a Cen.
tire of Attraction.
An Unusual Attendance at the Ma
tiOnal Park.
Bnby Lions Claim a Large share 0l
AttcntiOn-The Harpy Eagle
Fine Bird.

The addition of nineteen curious rev
specimens OF the quadruped and the feath-
cred biped attracted to the National Zoo
logical Park yesterday one OF the largest
throngs of the season.
Commander Todd's contributions to the
national collection were all on view. The
crowds naturally showed a preference for
the harpy eagle. the peccary. which per-
sisted in ignoring the observers by sleep
ing lazily in corner; the tapir. VINO
thrust his long nose enquiringly through
the iron bars: the five new monkeys, who
made 1t lively for their companions; the
tecties. the orange-crowned Ocelot. the
curarsow. the COATS, the new agontis, the
kirkazon. and the parakeet. In few days
the frequenters OF the Zoo will learn how
to pronounce the peculiar names of the
newcomers.
Youngsters of all ages were practically
abundant. and they ranged from the wide
eyed babe in arms. who took no interest
in the nations circus, to the toddler of five
to eight years whose curiosity in the Gagged
beasts ard birds kept his parents in con
tinuous worriment.
One of the centres Of attraction yester-
day was the litter Of baby lions. whose
playful antics could be observed through
the small opening OF the partially boarded
den. where the tawny mother kept a sharp
vigil and glared at the surging throngs
that moved in a never-ending stream
through the building where the great beasts
of prey are held in captivity.
The new lion family is an interesting one
and the lively youngsters now about the
size OF half-grown bulldog. promises TO
become splendid specimens OF the king OF
beasts, when they reach the age of ma
turity.
The contributions of Captain Told.
OF the gunboat Wilmington, resulting
from the raid OF its crew on the dsnizsns
of the forests and jungles OF the Amazon.
as has been said, came in fer large
share of attention. especially the harpy
eagle, which from its shipping cage, placed
high above the line of empty dens near
the crocodH. tank looked in mingled rage
and curiosity upon the scores Of upturned
faces. unmoved by the admiration fire.
quently expressed by the sightseers. The
harpy eagle is the finest looking bird at
the Zoo and valuable addition to the
feathered collection of that inter; sting
collection.
Elephants will never lose their ropu-
larity with the public especially the Juve
nile portion of it,. The elephant house
yesterday was crowded. and many had to
wait for a considerable period before they
were able to get peep at Dunk" and his
huge mate. One spectator remarked that
the elephants did not look to be in the
best of health, but, judging from the ra-
pii;y with which the great ani.na.s de-
ycured the peanuts and cake thrown by
the children, they are not seriously ai.ing.
Notwithstanding the repugnance Of tie
general individual for snakes, the glass
cages containing the fine specimens from
many parts of the world were hemmed in
by curious onlookers yesterday The non
sters are unusually repulsive al present
because of their tendency TO gather in
tangled masses and writhe about one an
| other shedding irregular bits OF skin as
they move.
Everything at the Zoo. including the
seals. sea lions. and monkeys, received an
| unusual amount of attention yesterday.
and where feeding was permitted the birds
and animals were supplied with more than
| they could devour. The sun bear seemed
| TO realize that il was receiving day. and
| his antics with the hard ball which las
| been placed in his cage for his diversion
proved more amusing to many people than
| an up-to- date vaudeville bill.
| Added 20 the sights TO be seen nj the Zoe
| in the way Of animals and birds, the GRO vas
! and their peculiarities and the laughaele
comments on the specimens exhibited was
| the superb atmosphere, which was cool IND
| refreshing and the bright sunshine. which
made the park sparkle and glinmer with
| its various spring shades of green.