The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-05-02
CHATTANOOGA zOO
 IS GREAT SUCCESS President Writes Letter to The Age-Hera!d Regarding It PRAISES BIRMINGHAM BOYS Says the Effort to Have Zoo Here Is Most Laudabe = Has Proved
 Most Instructive to Chil-
 dren of Chattanooga.
PRAISES BIRMINGHAM BOYS

In reply to a request from the editor of The Age-Herald for information regard- ing the geological garden in Chattanooga the following letter has been received: To the Editor of The Age-Herald.
 Mayor Chambliss has requested me to answer your inquiry for information in regard to organization and maintainance of geological gardens.
 In reply thereto would say that the city of Chattanooga now owns and main sains a zoo containing a very fine collec- tion of animals birds and reptiles This zoo in extent and character is superior to that of any city of the size that we know of, and is generally conceded to be quite a credit to our city.
 Our zoo, in connection with the large and extensive green houses attached thereto, containing a very fine collection of rare and expensive plants, is quite source of interest and pride to our people as has been manifested by the large num- Der of daily visitors. It is also visited by the majority of tourists.
 The zoo was organized and started about six years ago in connection with the improvement of a city park acquired by the city, now known as East Lake park situated some three or four miles from the city. The movement originated with one of our public spirited citizens and through the publicity thus given, many donations of animals, etc., were made, besides gifts of money. Mir Oxley. for whom the Oxley zoo was named, gave $500 as a starter. For the proper housing and care of the animals the city has con- structed suitable building of neat de- sign. well lighted and ventilated and heated by the hot water system. Be- sides donations the city has bought from time to time and added to the collection such animals etc, that were thought necessary to make the collection more complete. By the accompanying report you will see the extent and character of our collection, and which is suggestive of what may be needed in starting a zoo for Birmingham. In order 10 keep up and increase the extent of the zoo the park commission are constantly on the lookout for new attractions in the way of animals, etc, provided the same can be had at reasonable prices and come purpose. Besides the purchase and gifts of animals, etc, we often get the loan of many for shorter or longer time Our collection is not quite as complete as we wish. We need a gentle, docle ele- phant, and there Is talk of an effort being made on the part of the children of the city to raise the necessary funds for the purchase of one. We also need a Bengal tiger. In other respects the park com mission in common with all the citi- zens of our city, feel proud of our zoo as one of our many local attractions and think it worth many times more than it costs.
 The zoo Is maintained at an average cost of about $200 per month, and to pro- vide in whole or in part for this ex- pense, a nominal admittance fee of 10 cents for adults and cents for children is made. These receipts about cover the cost of maintainance sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less In case of large picnic parties, etc. special and lower rates as rule are given. There has been no complaint or objection on the part of the public, and the small ad- mission fee IS paid cheerfully by all For awhile the city electric railroad made an annual donation which was of consid- erable help in providing funds for keep ing up the zoo, but of late that has been discontinued, much to our regret. Should your zoo be located on a street car line, we think that the increased travel on that account would justify your street car company in making you lib- eral annual donation, and 1t might be made one of the conditions for its loca- ton.
 The estimated value of our collection of animals, etc, is about 5000. The zoo buildings complete with cages and heat ing apparatus cost about s6o0O more, mak- ing total of $l1,0OO.
 From an educational standpoint the zoo is paying investment, and so considered by our city officials, school board and teachers.
 We trust the foregoing will furnish you the information desired, and that your laudable efforts to establish a ZOO in your thriving and progressive city will be crowned with success, Very truly yours,
 I. c. MANSFIELD,
 President.
 Chattanooga, Tenn, April 20 1924.