The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-01-28
WINTER MAKES 4 hit AT zoo
Icy Blasts Lead Polar Bear to
Think of Former Home.
Ground Owl Keeps One Foot Under
Wing While Frost Nips Toes
on Other-New Arrivals.

Old winter holds the National Zoologi-
cal Park in his hoary grasp, and with
each icy blast that sweeps the hills the
gaunt white polar bear, stalking like a
sentinel within the confines Of his frozen
den. lifts his long muzzle TO scent the
wind as If 10 say, This feels 10 me like
my birthday likewise, behold! no coddled
Teddy bear am l. The light fall of
snow has formed a frozen white crust
over the park, and the Dummies and other
furry creatures are holding high carnival
The tiny ground owl, whose dignity
causes vast amusement, gravely sits on
the little hill by his front door and con-
templates the scene anon sedately lift
ing each foot that Jack Frost may not
nip it, Bison and elk take the frigid
weather as q matter Of course and stand
with stOlid indifference. but the hollow
raccoon tree is shorn Of its usual blossoms.
the cold blast driving the animals within.
"EyerybOdy's happy among the animal
folks. and the gToUchy" little brown
bears are the delight Of visitors. one Of
y HON recently placed a stuffed Teddy
bear within the cage bars All theories
that bears have no sense Of humor we're
strajghtway refuted by BrUin. who en-
joyeG the joke more than any one-the
joke. however, was on the Teddy bear
White Fang apologies 10 Mr.. London
and his brothers OF the pack have organ
lied = splendid chorus, which they take
pride in rehearsing just before feeding
time. They voice their arguments in no
unmistakable terms and give one an idea
of their hunting slogan Of the lean, cold
days In the big timber
We have had few losses this winter
among our large family" said DR.. Baker.
the superintendent, but have had several
arrivals. both by express and the stoTk
route The Australian wild dog. DingO.
has ten new furry yellow puppies. and
the South American monkey Of the Capu-
chin species was blessed with a small
boy" the first Of its kind ever born in
captivity She thinks il wonder and
coddleS it and croons TO it ContinuoIssly
Recently from Western Kansas seame
a fine prOng-horn antelope a Specs Of
which only a few are left. and they are
kept in Yellowstone Park. where great
care is taken 10 raise alfalfa for their
winter forage. This antelope is said to be
the only horned species which sheds its
/ horns completely regularly every year.
a fine specimen OF the African serval.
beautifully spotted. also arrived. and is
/ quite docile, allowing the attendants to
[ pet il.
Capt +. II. PlumaCheT. consul 10 Mar
acaibo. shipped handsome South Amer
I lean blue fox and a macaW. which came
Saturday, and were added TO the c0nec-
/ ton"
AT present the National Zoo boasts of
/ J. 800 live individuals OF all kinds, and IN
numbered dead. for when an animal dies
/ it is sent without delay to the National
Museum TO be stuffed for exhibition pur-
I poses OF to be dissected in the interests
I Of scientific research.
The lone elephant is still in his infancy.
being only forty years of age: quite
young for an elephant. In contrast a
/ cockatoo. owned by Allison Nailor, IT.,
I is fifty years Old and is still very spry.
/ The zebra. which was presented to
| President Roosevelt. has been sent to the
agricultural experimental station at Be
! thesda. Md. where efforts are being made
/ 10 create q new equine species by cross
breeding Z
/ Dr. Baker hopes soon TO be able TO have
an animal hospital and a quarantine
/ building erected at the Zoo.