140 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1963 



insulation between two layers of boards was constructed, but no arti- 

 ficial heat was installed. With the onset of cold weather, deep straw 

 bedding was provided. Both tapirs were put on a diet of approxi- 

 mately eight fish a day in addition to their normal ration of fresh 

 vegetables and A-1 ration. Despite the fact that the pond froze 

 over completely for the better part of 4 montlis, both animals sur- 

 vived without any damage to the skin or feet. Neither animal ap- 

 peared to object to the snow on the ground, and their customary 

 summertime motion pattern was clearly indicated by footprints in 

 the snow. 



Patagonian cavies, another unusual species, were also successfully 

 wintered. Although these animals were provided with a noninsu- 

 lated but well-built shelter, they preferred to make their own excava- 

 tions in frozen ground and seek shelter below the house provided. 

 Six yomig have been born in this enclosure since February. 



A number of tropical birds, primarily psittacines, wintered out- 

 doors, provided only with minimal heated-perch shelters with infra- 

 red lamps. 



Two female lion cubs born at the Zoo in March 1962 spent most of 

 the winter in a large, exposed, open-air cage with no protection other 

 than a continuously open indoor shelter which was rarely, if ever, 

 used during the daytime. 



The total nimiber of accessions for the year was 986. This includes 

 gifts, purchases, exchanges, deposits, births, and hatchings. 



POLICE DIVISION 



The most important activity of the police division was the creation 

 of a law enforcement school. Appointed as training officer, Lt. D. B. 

 Bell formulated plans for a comprehensive training progi^am. Its 

 value was readily recognized and received official approval for its 

 implementation from the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. 

 The course encompassed ten 8-hour days of sessions, at the conclusion 

 of which an examination was given to participants. It was a highly 

 successful venture, and it is now a basic requirement of the National 

 Zoological Park police that all new officers must take and pass the 

 course. 



Three members of the division. Lieutenant Wolfe, Sergeant Grubbs, 

 and Private Porter, were qualified as pistol instructors for the police 

 force by special agent William Little, of the Security Branch, 

 State Department, in September 1962. Fourteen visitors sent in 

 written commendations on the courtesy, kindness, and consideration 

 extended to the general public by the police. Through the efforts of 

 Lt. J. R. Wolfe, 24 certificates were awarded by the American Eed 



