142 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 19 63 



Results of the maintenance program are most apparent in the reptile 

 building. The new paint in the visitor area and the rebuilding and 

 decorating of the cages, along with the contract work done as a safety 

 measure, have resulted in an orderly, well-kept building. Among the 

 improvements not readily apparent are the new electric panels which 

 provide uninterrupted service for the electric lighting as well as power 

 for the refrigeration and other commissary activities in the reptile- 

 house basement. 



The sign program, now well underway, required the coordination of 

 the carpenter shop, paintshop, and metal shop to frame, paint, and 

 erect the attractive and informative signs on the various exhibits 

 throughout the Zoo. 



The remodeling of the birdhouse and the construction of the new 

 east-west access road put an additional burden on the mechanical 

 division, as temporary shelters and enclosures had to be improvised for 

 the birds and animals dislocated by the new construction. A flight 

 cage was built in the old antelope house to provide a temporary home 

 for birds evacuated from the birdhouse. A shelter and enclosure 

 were provided for the dorcas gazelles, relocated because of the new 

 road. In addition, a new yard with heavy fencing was prepared for 

 the Cape buffalo. 



The deep excavation required to maintain a suitable gradient for the 

 new perimeter road unearthed a myriad of sewers and waterlines 

 which had to be traced and relocated, thus adding to the already heavy 

 workload of the plumbing crew. 



Many of the improvements made during the year were in the in- 

 terests of safety. In cooperation with the District of Columbia De- 

 partment of Buildings and Grounds, practically all the glass cage 

 fronts at the reptile house were replaced, as were also several large 

 panes of glass separating the visitors from the animals in the small- 

 mammal house. 



The eagle cage, which is to remain in the remodeled birdhouse area, 

 was painted under a contract with a local rigging company. 



The walkway from the fox line through the hollow up to the owl 

 and silver-gull cages was resurfaced, and road repairs were made. 



The grounds department moved many plants from the birdhouse 

 area to the center of the Zoo, sodded several areas where there previ- 

 ously had been no grass, and enhanced the appearance of the Park by 

 the addition of flower beds around the buildings. A number of plants 

 and shrubs were purchased, and donations of flowers and plants were 

 received from the District of Columbia Waterworks, the Botanical 

 Garden, Navy Hospital, Naval Ordnance, and the management of the 

 annual flower show. 



