APPENDIX 7 

 REPORT ON THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK 



Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report on the opera- 

 tions of the National Zoological Park for the fiscal year ended June 

 30, 1940 : 



The regular appropriation made bj^ Congress was $237,060, all of 

 which was expended. 



FUNCTIONS OF THE ZOO 



The National Zoological Park is far more than merely a recreation 

 place; an eminent scientific man once referred to it as "a museum of 

 living animals." Every day in the year thousands of people visit the 

 Zoo. Some come merely for enjoyment and recreation, but others 

 come with definite purposes in mind. Among them are many students 

 both primary and advanced. Artists, photographers, and research 

 workers all find material and inspiration for their studies and are 

 afforded all possible facilities. Research of any kind that can be 

 carried on without harm to the animals is encouraged. 



Such organizations as the Audubon Society, Girl Scouts, Boy 

 Scouts, geological classes, and others regularly come to the Zoo to 

 study the native wildlife and interesting geological formations in the 

 Park. Requests for technical information regarding animals and 

 zoos are constantly received at the Zoo office by personal inquiry, 

 telephone calls, and letters from all over the world. 



IMPROVEMENTS 



Continuance of W. P. A. assistance resulted in the completion of 

 the following work during the year : 



Four paddocks about 80 by 150 feet were constructed along the 

 road above the American bison. These are the barless-pit type with- 

 out obstruction to the view between the people and the animals. 



Five paddocks were constructed across from the large-mammal 

 house. These average about 50 by 60 feet and are designed to accom- 

 modate the American representatives of the camel family, llama, 

 alpaca, vicuna, and guanaco. These paddocks are likewise of the 

 barless-pit type and can accommodate a considerable variety of 

 animals in addition to those listed above. 



A series of four waterfowl ponds was constructed across the road 

 from the old waterfowl pond. The pools are cement-lined, but from a 

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