Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-06
TUBERCULOSIS At zoo.
King Menelik's Baboon Sue
cumbs to Disease.
LIONESS ALSO EXPIRES
OTHER ANIMALS THAT HAVE
BEEN AFFECTED.
Grief Shown Over Demise Of Presents
Of Abyssinian Monarch to Presi-
dent Roosevelt.

Two notable deaths at the Zoo were an
nounced today, the lioness and male baboon,
which formed an important part of the re-
cent gift of King Menelik of Abyssinia to
President Roosevelt, having succumbed to
disease. Many regrets were expressed by
Assistant Superintendent A. B. Baker and
other officials of the Geological Park over
the loss, more particularly as they had
been presented to the President by the
AbysSinian monarch. ~.
1t was stated that the lioness had lost an
eye by accident before it was shipped to
this country, but that its death was not
due to any connection with that accident.
The death Of the lioness occurred on New
Year day. and a post-morten examination
disclosed inf1ammation of the kidneys and
liver. and other causes, which were evil
IDENTIFY of long standing.
The death of the male baboon was found
to have been due to well-defned case OF
tuberculosis, but where or how 1t was con-
tracted could not be learned. 1t Is pc
lieved, however. that the disease was OF
long standing, and the change of climate
from Abyssinia to America, with the re-
cent severe weather here, brought the trou-
BILE to a climax and resulted in the
baboons death. The autopsies were made
by a pathologist connected with the bu-
reau of animal industry of the Depart
n.ent of Agriculture. The bodies of the
dead animals were today turned over to
the authorities of the National Museum,
and in difference to their importance as an
international gift they will no doubt be
prepared and placed upon exhibition.
Not New Experience.
This death of an animal from tubercu-
losis is not a new experience at the Zoo,
it was stated today to a Star reporter.
Some time ago a mule deer from New
Mexico died from the dread malady soon
after 1t was received by the authorities OF
the Geological Park. The discovery re-
suited from the autopsy that the animal
was in an advanced stage of tuberculosis
when 1t reached the Zoo, land the change
of climate did the rest.
There were two pinamons, a peculiar bird
from South America, at the Zoo. One of
these died recently from disease of the
lungs The autopsy disclosed fungus
growth of the lungs similar to tuberculosis.
The change of climate is believed to have
developed the fatal disease in this case
also.
But perhaps the most remarkable case
of tuberculosis in animal life was that
found in a rattlesnake which died some
months ago at the Zoo. physician and
skilled pathologist, who had a long and
varied experience as a hunter in Idaho,
stated recently that he killed a mountain
goat which was found to have a fully de-
veloped case of tuberculosis.
The officials Of the Geological Park stated
that they were gratified to find compare
lively such a small amount of tuberculosis
among the animals, birds and reptiles in
the government institution here as is re-
ported from other Zoos.
The disease sometimes occurs, they say,
under entirely unlooked-for conditions, as
was the case of the stricken mule deer, and
a large elk which died from the disease.
Disease Contracted Before Arrival.
But in the case of the indoor animals
from warm climates it has been found that
the victims in almost every case had con-
tracted the disease before they were
brought to this country. Some of them be-
came affected in the unsanitary places
where they were kept by dealers in animals.
THE post-mOrtem work." said an official,
"brings about interesting and important re-
suits and conditions in animal life under
which diseases occur and the adoption of
preventive measures. For instance, 1t
has been found by experience at the Wash
ington Zoo, as well as at other places, that
it is almost impossible 20 keep the moose
in captivity. These animals usually die
from chronic inflammation of the stomach
and bowels from the lack of some element
in their food. You know on their native
heath they live upon the branches of trees
and other foliage
1.-The kind of food necessary cannot be
supplied to them, their condition grows
worse and death results"
The statement was also made today that
the two guanacos and two peccaries, form
ing a part of King Meneliks gift to the
President, and which were held In quar-
antine at New York, have arrived at the
Zoo here and been laced on exhibition.