The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-20
HOT WEATHER AT THE zoo.
Excessive Temperature Breeds Lazi-
ness in Beasts and Birds.

Social circles in the menagerie of the
Geological Gardens are permeated with
an air of apathy at present. Neither the
most exclusive set. or the most plebeian
animals manifest any interest in life.
Hot weather is the cause. AS at those
resorts frequented by the genus homo,
heat has been conducive to inertia. and
everywhere extreme laziness is apparent
The lions and the tigers bask in the sun
and make no motion for hours. The leo
psrd. stretched out on his back with his
feet in the air has the ssmblance of
dead one. and only the regular expansion
and contraction Of his lungs destroys the
illusion. The elephant has thrown his
huge bulk on the floor of his apartment
and ceases to worry himself over the
death of his late partner. The troubled
expression On his expansive countenance
has given place to the ineffable peace OF
sleep. His constant restlessness in his
chains has temporarily ceased. Even the
snakes have forgotten to manipulate the
usually constant motion CT the vertebra,
which distinguishes them. The activity of
that restless tribe. the monkies, has been
forgotten in the arms of Morpheus. The
eagles. with head under wing, for hours
at. time maintain their equilibrium on
their perch resting on one foot. Liz
ards. alligators. rodents, deer, camels, all
the animals. are affected in the same way
by the inordinate weather. The sloth-
bear. whose endless circling OF his mar
row quarters bellies his name. has come
under the influence of the same narcotic.
He is dead to the world, with his eyes
closed in Sleep
Such were the conditions yesterday
afternoon when the society at the Zoo was
taking its afternoon siesta. Peanuts
failed in their customary seductiveness
Meal time passed without a single
protest. Not roar was utter
ed and the menagere was singu-
larry silent. The moose, which has
been added to The residents lately, stretch
ed himself full length under the shower
bath with which his enclosure is provided
and enjoyed the cooling spray until night
fall. Beside the moose. who took up his
residence here about a month ago. there
have been several additions to the Zoo re-
Gently. About two weeks ago from Alden,
Arabia. arrived two cub lions and two
cub leopards. They have been placed in
the main building with the larger animals.
The glass snake is peculiar reptile from
Florida who made his appearance at the
Zoo last Tuesday. He is not very long,
not over two feet but is noted for he
stiffness of his vertebra and the hardness
OF his body. Some OF the members of the
family have been known to break them
selves in pieces by violent efforts under
trying circumstances. Hence the name.
The specimen at the Zoo is prsttily marked
with a Kaleidoscope pattern OF black and
white. glass case has been provided for
his accommodation on the lawn near the
entrance TO the main building.
A California condor that has been in the
menagerie about month and that is about
seven months of age, is a iasty specimen OF
the largest bird that wings its flight over
the American continents This one is a
youngsteT but his spread wings viii al
ready measure seven feet from tip to tip.
He has not yet gotten rid of his down
feathers and presents a peculiar appear
ance. Flying is not yet one OF his accom-
plishments. At present ne is much at lib
erty in a large uncovered enclosure He
is very friendly and displays a fondness
for untying the keepers shoe laces with
hts well adapted beak.
II was quite an event at the menagerie
when. last Wednesday. Mrs. Acouchy pre-
sented TO Mr. Acouchy twin infant Acou-
chies The Acouchy family are natives Of
South America and are r:,oents. The re
cent additions TO the family are walking
about already and seem to have no din
Guilty in using their eyes to find what the.
require. They are tiny fellows and look
like balls OF black and white cotton
Some additions to the happy family at
the Zoo are expected from the Philippines
but have not yet made their appearance
The gossips Of the menagarie family are
discussing the matter and are wondering
what their new acquaintancas will look
like