SECRETARY'S REPORT 153 



bers are also vigilant in seeing that previous recommendations for 

 safety measures are carried out. 



Safety precautions taken included paving 600 feet of sidewalk, re- 

 pairing potholes in roadways, installation of handrails at front and 

 rear entrances of administration building, extending the step on the 

 loading platform at the shop, and putting guards on power mowers. 



FINANCES 



Funds for the operation of the National Zoological Park are appro- 

 priated annually under the District of Columbia Appropriation Act. 

 The operation and maintenance appropriation for the fiscal year 1964 

 totaled $1,597,356, which was $127,156 more than for the preceding 

 year. The increase consisted of $25,010 to cover salary increases for 

 general-schedule employees in accordance with Public Law 87-793; 

 $-13,260 to cover salary increases for wage-board employees; $18,560 

 for within-grade salary advancements for both general-schedule and 

 wage-board employees; $21,030 to cover costs of reallocations; $8,750 

 for annualization of five positions established in fiscal year 1963; 

 $4,841 to employ temporary police; $3,505 to establish one position 

 for one-half of the year; $1,200 for miscellaneous supplies; and $1,000 

 for the purchase of new equipment. 



Of the total appropriation, 84.5 percent ($1,349,407) was used for 

 salaries and related personnel costs, and 15.5 percent ($247,949) for 

 the maintenance and operation of the Zoo. Included in the latter fig- 

 ure were $85,150 for animal food; $23,700 for fuel for heating; $24,188 

 for materials for building construction and repairs; $12,473 for elec- 

 tricity; $12,119 for the purchase of animals; $6,933 for telephone, 

 postal, and telegraph services; and $7,660 for veterinarian equipment 

 and supplies. The balance of $75,726 in operational funds was ex- 

 pended for other items, including freight, sundry supplies, uniforms, 

 gasoline, road repairs, equipment replacement, and new equipment. 



COOPERATION 



At all times special efforts are made to maintain friendly contacts 

 with other Federal and State agencies, private concerns and individ- 

 uals, and scientific workers for mutual assistance. As a result, the 

 Zoo receives much help and advice and many valuable animals, and in 

 turn it furnishes information and, whenever possible, animals it does 

 not need. 



Special acknowledgement is due William Taback and John Pulaski, 

 in the office of the Dispatch Agent in New York City, and Stephen E. 

 Lato, Dispatch Agent in San Francisco, who are frequently called 

 upon to clear shipments of animals coming from abroad, often at times 

 of personal inconvenience. 



