96 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1952 



tion to the Galapagos Islands in 1898, the first scientific exploration 

 of these islands. Since its receipt it has continued to thrive and grow. 



An African water turtle (Pelomedusa galeata), obtained in 1926 

 by the Smithsonian-Chrysler Expedition, is still alive. 



Other reptiles with interesting records are: A soft-shelled turtle 

 (Amyda ferox) received in 1930; flat-headed turtles (Platemys platy- 

 cephala) received in 1931; two African crocodiles (Grocodylus niloti- 

 cus) received in 1929; four spectacled caimans {Caiman sclerops) re- 

 ceived in 1931 ; and a pike-head snake (Oxybelis acuminatum) received 

 in 1943. 



Among the amphibians are Argentine horned frogs (Ceratophrys 

 ornata) received in 1939 and giant toads (Bufo marinus) received 

 in 1931. 



Two South American lungfishes (Lepidosiren paradoxa), received 

 in 1931, are still living. 



The most serious loss of the year from both a financial and senti- 

 mental standpoint was the death on June 30, 1952, of the African 

 elephant "Jumbina," which had been with the Zoo since August 8, 

 1913. She was never the docile soul that endears some elephants to 

 children, but she was admired by many for her active, alert ways as 

 well as for her stature and remarkable form. When she was obtained 

 from the Government Zoological Garden at Giza, Egypt, she was 4 

 feet 3 inches high at the shoulders and weighted 875 pounds. An 

 arthritic-like condition apparently caused her decline. 



ACCESSIONS 



By extensive correspondence with persons in foreign lands the Zoo is 

 frequently able to acquire by gift, exchange, or purchase highly de- 

 sirable animals that are not ordinarily available through animal deal- 

 ers or other zoos. 



OUTSTANDING ACQUISITIONS 



The Commonwealth of Australia presented to the President of the 

 United States an albino kangaroo and a pair of the beautiful Crown 

 Prince Rudolph's blue birds-of-paradise. These are quartered in the 

 Zoo and are most interesting additions to the exhibits, as the kangaroo 

 is believed to be the only one of its kind in captivity, and the birds 

 are the first of this species that this Zoo has ever had. 



In exchange with E. J. L. Hallstrom, president of the Taronga 

 Zoological Park Trust, Sydney, N. S. W., an outstanding collection 

 was received from Australia, consisting of gang-gang cockatoos (Cal- 

 locephalon fimbriatum) , Barraband's parakeets (Poly tells swainsoni) , 

 Leadbeater's cockatoos (Kakatoe leadbeateri) , bare-eyed cockatoos 

 (Kakatoe sanguineus), sulphur-crested cockatoos (Kakatoe galerita), 

 emus (Dromiceius novaehollandiae) , bowerbirds (Ptilonorhynchus 



