Evening journal., 1908-10-16
TO ASK PUBLIC
TO HELP THE ZOO
Free Zoo Association Has an
interesting Meeting Seeking
Future BettermentS

A well attended meeting of those
interested in the Wilmington Free Zoo
was held. on Wednesday, evening and
plans We're discussed for the future
management of the Zoo. John A. Book
r was selected as chairman and Charles
+. Wentz as secretary.
The chairman stated the object of
the meeting and the aspirations of the
association for the future and report
ed an appropriation Of $1,000 by City
Council through the medium of the
Park Board, and the following resolu-
ton acknowledging the receipt'of this
timely assistance was adopted unani-
mously:
Resolved, That the thanks Of the
Wilmington Free Zoo Association be
rendered to the mayor and council for
the very generous assistance rendered
the association in its struggle 20 main
tain the only absolutely free entertain
ment for all classes and conditions Of
our people, and the association will en-
deavor to administer the trust to the
advantage of our city and its citizens"
The Executive Committee submitted
the following report:
THE Executive Committee of this as
sociation desire to report that during
the past summer the week day visi-
tors to the Zoo largely exceeds any
former season. This is especially not
iceable by the attendance in large
numbers Of children who use this por-
ton of the park as a playground and
who take special delight in feeding the
animals and fowls Another pleasing
feature is the large number Of aged
men and women who daily sit and
watch the antics of the animals, and
who are profuse in their praises for
the enjoyment they receive. We are
also glad to report a marked improve
ment in the treatment Of the animals
by the public. There are vet some
degenerate adults and thoughtless chill
dren who delight to abuse and annoy
the animals. The committee are doing
all in their power to remedy this trou-
bic by enclosures that prevent close
contact, and also by more alert police
supervision. The aviary has recently
been reconstructed and the fowls are
1 literally provided with protection and
shelter. A new enclosure for the rab-
bits has just been completed with ample
room and haven for winter The cage
Of the bear Teddy" is sadly in need
Of repair and it is imperative that
something shall be done before win
/ ter sets in. Your committee feels that
/ by judicious management the aid so
kindly made by our City Council, will
fully provide for keeper and mainten-
ance for eight months of the year. Our
/ Indebtedness at the present time for
the construction OF cages is S902.53; and
for food is S509.71; making a total of
! S1412.24. The keeper is paid to date
The association unanimously approv-
ed the report as submitted and espe-
cially approved of the course adopted
/ by the executive committee in devotine
all its time attention and means at
hand to perfecting the exhibits as they
now are rather than extending the
limits of the Zoo
To Appeal to the Public.
After a general discussion Of the f.
nancial situation the following method
was suggested:
That an appeal be made to the peo-
pie of our city and an effort for a
popular subscription, be put forth II
was suggested that fifty contributions
of ten dollars each. one hundred OF
five dollars each and one thousand OF
one dollar each, together with the ap-
preparation Of City Council would pay
all our Indebtedness and defray all ex-
penses for the coming year
on motion the chairman appointed
the following finance committee 10
make the appeal to our people. S. H.
Baynard, chairman: J. II. Bartlett, VIII
liam L. Hammond. William Lawton
and j. A Booker.
II was suggested that strong men,
bership committee be appointed 10 in
sure permanent future support Fur
their details will be arranged at a
special meeting TO be held next We'd
nesday evening.