Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06
ODD BREEDS OF BEASTS
Thomson's Gazelle and Two Coke's
Hartebeests.
STORK BRINGS TINY ANTELOPE
Other Strange Creatures From At
RIGA Take Up Residence in
Rock Creek Park.
T82MGESA0s

Three species of the African antelope
family, types never before exhibited In
the geological gardens of the world, so
far as known. have arrived in the Ma
tional Geological Park. and are comfort
ably quartered in two roomy cages of the
deerhouse.
They are the Thompson's gazelle. a fe-
male, and a pair of Coke's hartebeests.
The three rare specimens are a portion
of collection which Assistant Superin-
tendent A. B. Baker brought from
Nairooi last December.
Because of animal importation regula-
ttone of the apartment of Agriculture
they were held in quarantine at Phila-
delphia for several weeks. Other men,
bers of the quarantined party are one
female Livingstone Gland, one female
warthog and one female water buck. All
but the hartebeests were obtained in the
locality of Nairobi. Their mates died on
the trip to this country.
Infection Was Feared.
The necessity for quarantining the
animals before admitting them was due
to the fact that they came from a Sec
ton of Africa infested with a highly
fatal ruminant and swine infection
caused by the tsetse fly. Before the gov
eminent authorities would permit the
specimens to be transported to Washing
ton they were constantly observed and
subjected to the blood test.
Blood was taken from them and two
rabbits inoculated for each animal. The
animals were not released from quaran-
tine until it was certain there was no
blood disease present.
The gazelle and warthog are gifts from
W. n. Mcmillan of Nairobi as were also
five lions. leopard and other animals
which reached the park several weeks
ago. lie presented them through Lieut..
Col. Mearns OF the Smithsonian African
party.
The hartebeest. waterbuck and Gland
were purchased from Henry Tarlton, near
Nairobi, who cau-ht them when young
and raised them. They are now from ten
months 10 TWO years old. In the cages
yesterday afternoon all the animals APP
peared tame and came 10 the bars at the
cal OF the keepers.
Tie gazelle ran entirely at large on
Mr.. Mem Hans 'Juja Farm" The wart-
hog. although ordinarily kept in yard,
was let out often for run over the
grassy PLAIN about the farm buildings.
Hartebeests, Gland and waterbuck were
kept at the Tariton farm in the corral
into which the cattle were put at night.
This was located alongside the house to
discourage visits from Ieopards.
Shy Animals These.
Tie hartebeest and Thomsons gazelle,
although common i'll certain sections of
East Africa, are extremely shy.
The hartebeests, which are especiaI lily
tnid. are ordinarily seen accompanying
herds of Zebras. In some localities OF
their habitat they stand Sentines for the
zebra herds ON tops of big African ant
hills At the first sign oil alarm the
hartebeest bounds away to safety, fol-
lowed 10y the Zcbras.
The Thomson gazelie is delicately
marked and about three and one-haIf or
four feet high at the shoulders. They
fleet and have the speed of a race
horse.
The Gland, waterbuck and warthog are
not uncommon in the larger geological
gardens, but are always considered de-
sirable. They are not generally dis
tributed in British East Africa, though
found in most localities which are suited
to them
Tn, eiand is easily tanned and becomes
gentle. Its meat Is excellent and is well
protected by the game regulations.
New Baby at Zoo.
\ seventh new arrival al the zoo is
the ten-day old offspring Of Herold and
Salone. the parks valuable specimens OF
the Kongo harnesSed antelope. The baby
has been christened Sadie in Difference
10 desire for simplicity by one OF the
undcrkeeperS, who explained he wasn't
familiar with classic individuals.
IIerold, since the arriva. Of the little
on" has assumed the majesty and pug
Eac.ty of paternity. Fatherhood has
cham cd him from the former docile pet
Of the deerhouse into a vicious guardian
Of mother and little one.
u Ire last week he mas attempted tC
st * several times one or two of the
nc: keepers with his Ions knife
.s,d nt.ers. All day long and well or
Iou the dusk of the evening he
sttads quad ever his family.
This is second doe born to the pail
since thei; admittance TO the garden
about three years ago The first borr
arrived about year and a ha t ago and
was presented To the New York Zoo wher
il was ten months old.