NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL. PARK HOLLISTER 257 



Through the courtesy of the express companies, shipments of liv- 

 ing animals for the National Zoological Park often are giv^en special 

 care in transit, and, if desirable, telegraphic instructions are sent 

 agents along the route. Different animals require different treat- 

 ment on arrival at the park. Some may be liberated at once in the 

 inclosures while others are kept in special retired quarters for short 

 or long periods of rest and general adjustment to the surroundings 

 and climate. In any case the newly arrived individuals have almost 

 continuous observation for a few days, and all sorts of emergencies 

 are prepared for. In exceptional cases such animals may be kept 

 in retirement for months before they are finally, in the very best of 

 condition, placed on exhibition to the public. 



Certain kinds of animals from certain countries are, from time to 

 time, subject to quarantine or even embargo. This is owing to out- 

 breaks of stock diseases in foreign countries, all of which are 

 promptly reported to the proper American authorities. For months, 

 or even years, at a time it may be impossible to import directly 

 from some foreign district ruminant or other animals subject to a 

 specific disease. Some heart-breaking experiences result from these 

 very necessary regulations, and excessively rare animals, never be- 

 fore or since obtainable, have been lost on account of them. But 

 zoological garden officials are just as anxious as the stock breeders 

 to keep animal diseases out of the country and are, or should be, 

 ready at all times to cooperate with the quarantine division. So 

 far, happily, no outbreak of any stock disease in this country has 

 been traced to a zoological garden. 



PliACTICAL LESSONS IN KINDNESS TO ANIMALS 



In the modern, up-to-date zoological garden may be seen the 

 finest examples of " kindness to animals." The men engaged in the 

 w^ork are selected for their feelings toward animals. Kindness and 

 devoted attention are essential in maintaining their charges in health. 

 No cruel, brutal, or inhuman act would be tolerated in any well- 

 conducted zoo, and employees who do not show a thoroughly deep- 

 seated or natural love for animals and an absolute freedom from 

 " temper " are promptly released or transferred to work other than 

 in the animal division. 



There are, of course, some few good citizens who object on general 

 principles to animals being kept in captivity. As a rule these peo- 

 ple are not familiar with the facts or with conditions in our modern 

 zoological gardens. We have known the most pronounced antizoo- 

 fanatics to become completely converted after a day in the Na- 

 tional Zoological Park, under the private guidance of an animal- 

 loving employee, and to become much interested and sympathetic 



