New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-04-27
MENAGER|E HEAD DIES
John w. Smith Leaves Central
Park Animals He Collected.
CARED FOR THEM 20 YEARS
Had Just Returned from His First
Vacation in That Time, but
His Work Was Done.

The Park DEPARTMENT was informed yes
terday that John w Smith, the aged d.
rector OF the Central Park menagerie, died
on Thursday night On April Mr.. Smith
returned TO his once after an absence OF
three months, which was the first vacation
he had taken I'm all the time he had been
in charge OF the menagerie, twenty years.
When he returned he said he thought he
had fooled them all, for he believed 1t was
generally thought he could not take up his
duties again. A few days ago. however, no
had TO give up his work again.
The old director was for nearly a score
Of years superintendent OF the Second Ave-
nue. Railroad, and while he held that place
he gave "Coot" Croker, father Of Richard
Croker a job as veterinarian Before sail
ing for Europe the last time Richard Gro
ker sent a message TO the director asking
him 10 come and see him before he sailed
At that time Mr. Smith said: II knew
the Crokers when they first came TO this
country" Then he added that Croker. the
former Tammany chieftain. was friend to
have, because he was a real one.
Mr.. Smith served one term In the Legislat-
ure. and said no could have been elected
again. but one term was enough for him. 1t
was during Samuel J. Tildens governorship
that he was in the Assembly, and the
director said he knew the Governor well
When the director took charge OF the
menagerie there was little except the title
he bore to indicate the presence Of a mena-
gerie. Most Of the exhibits belonged to
circuses. One month there might be half a
dozen elephants and the next none. II was
so with the monkeys and other exhibits
But the director began the work Of getting
together real menagerle. and the exhibits
to-day are valued at more than 100000. The
lion colony, numbering a dozen. OF which
three have been traded, is considered one
Of the best In captivity.
There was only one way to build w a
menagerie and that was to have money.
II was not forthcoming by appropriations
30 the director began the uncertain pursuit
Of raising hippos. In ALL eight young hip.
pos have been sold. bringing on an average
$500 apiece. One is In Germany one in
the New York Geological Park and others
scattered about In several geological colec-
tons. With tho money from the sale II
the young hippos was brought about the
erection OF q number OF the menagerie
buildings and the enlargement OF nearly
every exhibit therein.
1t was during his fight to build up a city
mensgerie that an effort was made by a
body OF citizens to legislate the menagerie
out OF existence. The director had friends
and the efforts went for naught.
Although physically disabled for a long
time, the directors mind had been as alert
as ever. lie looked after the health OF the
menagene inmates with unfsilng care. lie
had grown 10 feel much affection for some
Of the inmates, and he had great success I'm
prescribing medicine for numerous all
monts.
The story was told OF Mr. Smith that nc
could not be parted from the animals for
twenty years. but that two years with tn
politicians had been too much for him. and
he said Il certainly was
lie leaves a daughter. Mrs. r. II. Camp
bell.
William Snyder, the head keeper Of the
menagerie. who has In the last few months
acted In the directors place. WILL IT was
said yesterday. be put in charge OF the
menagerie with the same title he has but
with an increased salary, while the title OF
director will be abolished. Robert Hurton
is slated to DO assistant head keeper.