The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-06-11
THE ANIMALS RECEPTION
Opening of the Summer Season at
the Geological Park.
The Lion. Elephant, and Monkeys
Groomcd for the Occasion. Greet
Old FricnSs and Make New Ones
Crowds of Visitors Around Cages,
Aquariums. Caves. and Tanks.

The inhabitants of the National Zoologi
cal Park having become comfortably set
tied in their summer villas and cottages
yesterday held an informal reception
which was attended by more than 10, o0t
of their Washington friends and admirers
1t was the first Sunday at home of thu
summer season and was a great event il
the lives of the present occupants of the
beautiful reservation on Rock Creek. The
animals were all carefully groomed ant
washed, while the birds were adorned il
their best bib and tucker in honor of tht
occasion.
The affair was completely successful
both from the standpoint of animals and
visitors. Even the old lion who occupies
the proud position of dean of the Zoo con-
descended to acknowledge this. and in the
glory of the day SO far forgot the dignity
of his station as to strut around his cage
Tor the benefit of the adult bipeds and to
roar loudly that the children might have
delight. 1t was actually whispered that
the old cinnamon bear, who was supposed
10 have been hardened to gazing crowds
and excitement, was seen to stand on his
head and walk on his fore paws, SO rap
IDLY did his stock of pretzels and cake in
crease.
Inc crowds Of visitors Immensely en-
Joyed everything and roamed around the
great park all day. The reservation never
presented a more attractive appearance
than yesterday, as the flowers and trees
were in bloom and foliage and the walks
all newly laid and well kept One spot
OF great interest was the natural caves
in the solid rock, wherein dwell the POLAR
grizzly, cinnamon, and black bears. These
were we'll cared for by visitors Beside
this spot, the seal and sea lion pools at
tracted thousands. The seals were the
only really comfortable looking inmates
OF the Zoo and the heat seemed to have
little terror for them as they swan and
spiashed and barked in the tanks The
baby seal was carefully looked after by
its parents and enjoyed the sport as much
as small boy at the bathing beach.
The main animal house received the
greatest share of attention, of course.
Here animals of every description main
tanned interest for spectators. Lions, til
gers, pumas, leopards tapirs, wolves, and
monkeys were there in profusion, espec-
tally the monkeys, who held a continuous
performance Of acrobatic nonsense and
were richly rewarded with titbits. Here,
too, family of dozen alligators wal
lowed in tank and took life calmly, while
birds, snakes, and reptiles of every kind
attracted much interest. The aquarium
furnished much delight and the various
species OF fish brought out expressions of
admiration.
Out in the open the deer sported in wire
enclosures. Here, too, was the wonder of
the small boy, the kangaroo. The ostrich
family, the antelopes, the herds of elk and
buffalo, the foxes and the Eskimo and
prairie dogs, all looked their best for the
visitors. The beaver colony proved one of
the most interesting of the features The
proverbially industrious creatures have cut
down trees. damned the creek, and estab-
lished little village of houses which are
built with more than human ingenuity.
The big elephant Dunk is bigger and
heavier than ever, and greeted his friends
with good grace yesterday. His habitation
is the coolest and roomiest in the park.
and he seems well satisfied with his neat
quarters-at least he lodged 10 complaints.
The recent storm damaged the bridges
and rustic steps in the park to some extent. |
but they are being repaired, and the beau
tiful enclosure is prettier than ever before
While the collection at the Zoo is NOT as
large as ii might be, there are MANY rare
specimens there and a goodly addition is
expected from Yellowstone Park in the
near future.
The humidity and the broiling sun mad.
things uncomfortable even for the snakes |
and ailigaiors, while the animals adorned |
IN furs received the sympathy of their
more fortunate neighbors. The moving 1
crowds in holiday dress had TO be enter
laineo however and as mater of cour-
lesy the Gagged hosts remained awake until
sunset.
never saw such an anxious crowd in
my life, the royal Bengal tiger was heard
10 remark TO the lioness in the newt
rage during the afternoon. why at least
nifty persons have climbed inside the rails
mere and have taken snap shots at me"
me noness being jealous said nothing.
but turning up her nose. staIked away
Why, this isn't crowd" coI,emptuous-
y snarled leopard who had occupied a
age in Central Park. New York. Il have
lad more people to look at me in five
minutes where came from than can pass
his place all day."
Some people are always blowing" said
ne Dig elephant. 1T is my opinion that
Ter life
Now, when i was on the road with the
how" began the hyena from the Fore
'augh circus, but he was forced TO retain
Hence by the howis which went up from
he other cages.
The reception closed at sunset and after
hearty meal the animals retired. happy
having been admired, while the crowds
happy at having had the oppor-
unity TO admire.
q