Report on the National Zoological Park 



Sir: Transmitted herewith is a report on the operations of the 

 National Zoological Park for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1955. 



In all, 934 accessions, comprising 2,347 individual animals, were 

 added to the collection during the year by gifts, deposits, purchases, 

 exchanges, births, and hatchings. Among these were many rare speci- 

 mens never before shown in this Zoo. The addition of new kinds of 

 animals enhances the value of the collection, which is maintained not 

 only for exhibition but also for research and education, thus foster- 

 ing the Smithsonian's established purpose of "the increase and diffu- 

 sion of knowledge." Opportunities for research are afforded students 

 of biology, particularly vertebrate zoology, as well as artists, photog- 

 raphers, and writers. Methods of study that do not endanger the 

 welfare of animals or the safety of the public are encouraged. 



In addition to the regular diversified activities of carrying on all 

 the operations of the Zoo, the services of the staff included answering 

 in person or by phone, mail, or telegraph questions regarding animals 

 and their care and transportation ; furnishing to other zoos and other 

 agencies, public and private, information regarding structures for 

 housing animals ; cooperating with other agencies of Federal, State, 

 and municipal governments in research work ; and preparing manu- 

 scripts for publication. 



The stone restaurant building, which was constructed in the Park 

 in 1940, is leased at $46,212 a year. This money is deposited in the 

 United States Treasury to the credit of the General Fund, District of 

 Columbia. The concessionaire serves meals and light refreshments 

 and sells souvenirs. 



FUNDS 



The regular appropriation for the fiscal year was $645,000, which 

 is carried in the District of Columbia Appropriation Act. Tliis 

 amomit was supplemented by $3,000, which was transferred to the 

 appropriation in accordance with Public Law 123, for payment of 

 retroactive pay made necessary by the Federal Employees' Salary 

 Increase Act of 1955, approved June 28, 1955, effective the first pay- 

 day of the first pay period beginning after February 28, 1965. 



THE EXHIBITS 



Animals for exhibition are acquired by gift, deposit, purchase, 

 exchange, birth, and hatching, and are removed by death, exchange, 



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