Report on the National Zoological Park 



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

 tional Zoological Park for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1956. 



In all, 742 accessions, comprising 1,710 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. Opportunities 

 for research are afforded students of biology, particularly vertebrate 

 zoology, as well as artists, photographers, 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 $34,452 a year. This money is deposited to the 

 credit of the Collector of Taxes, District of Columbia. 



Elton Howe, for many years a watch and clock repairman in 

 Washington but now associated with the Diamond Ordnance Labora- 

 tory at the U. S. Bureau of Standards, generously presented to the 

 Zoo the 4- faced, 8-day clock that had stood at F Street near Thirteenth 

 since 1922. Mr. Howe put the clock in first-class condition when it was 

 installed, and plans to maintain it in running order as long as he can 

 do so. It has been set up at the intersection of the concourse on the 

 main road through the park, and was started on Monday, June 4, 1956. 



FINANCES 



The regular appropriation for the fiscal year was $669,300, which 

 is carried in the District of Columbia Appropriation Act. This 

 amount was supplemented by $21,600, which was transferred to the 

 appropriation in accordance with Public Law 94, to cover pay increases 



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