The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser., 1922-12-01
Boom in Wild
Animal Market

years in these fields and thoroughly
understand the conditions under which
particular animal may be tracked
down and captured.
Transportation Is Difficult.
Since most wild animals are cap
tured in remote regions Ear from CIV
ilization, the question of transporta-
tfon Is extremely difficult. Hundreds
of miles must be covered over wild
regions before the nearest railroad or
shipping port is reached. The han
ding of most wild animals under such
conditions Is extremely DANGEROUS and
difficult So great is the American de-
mand for wild animals at present that
stock is now shipped directly to the
United States from the South African
and other fields. New Yo.... has be-
come n great clearing house for wild
animals, where extensive shipments
are received rivaling Noah's ark for
the variety of it's passengers. There
are at present three such clearing
houses, one in New England, another
in Jersey City, third at Coney Island,
from which wild .nimals are distrib-
uted to all parts Of the United States.
Wild animals are one of the few
commodities which have not increased
in price during the war. The present
quotations for the stock of menagerie
compare very favorably with the pre-
war prices. A lion or tiger fully
grown can be bought anywhere from
$700 to $1,000. A giraffe brings from
$4,000 to $4,000. Considering the diff
ficulties of capturing these animals in
remote parts of the globe and trans
porting them thousands of miles to
their ultimate home in some geological
garden, the prices seem surprisingly
low. The prices incidentally are large
ly determined by the purchasing pow
ers of the owners of menageries. Most
geological gardens, for instance, are
supported by subscription and can
only afford to pay certain prices and
meet them.
Cost Has Increased.
Lie COSl VI gathering VIII dilluldlSy
meanwhile, has considerably increased
since pre-war days. In the most re-
mote jungles Of Africa tn, natives
have caught the fever for higher pay.
The new spirit naturally affects the
price Of wild animals to the ultimate
consumer.
The average visitor to a menagerie
who gazes idly at wild animals col
lected for his amusement has little
idea of the enormous work required
to assemble such show. An expedi-
tion sent out for tigers, lions, ele-
plants or hippopotami will often con-
sist of more than 100 persons. 1t is
necessary to have experienced beaters
who are familiar with the jungles and
the habits of the animals required.
There must be large force of run
ners who are also skilled in handling
wild animals under various conditions.
Several natives must make the trip to
prepare the food for the animals
There is, besides, the staff who direct
the expeditions. In some cases the eX-
peditions include $50 experienced
hunters.
The point of departure for some Of
these expeditions is a large farm in
Fast Africa. Here more than 800 ma
tives are constantly employed. The
farm, incidentally, Is situated nearly
1C0 miles from a railway, and here
the wild animals are brought and kept
for several months to accustom them
gradually to captivity. Such an ex-
pedition may be absent one and half
years in the jungle. They must time
their trip so that the animals will be
captured at a favorable season when
the change TO life of captivity will
least affect their health.