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, 1948. 
An appropriation of $455,400 for the operations of the Zoo was 
provided in the District of Columbia appropriation act. Subject to 
minor changes in final bills, a total of $441,200 was expended for all 
purposes, and an unexpended balance of $14,200 remains. This saving 
was almost entirely from salaries because of the impossibility of filling 
positions promptly. 
The year was a very satisfactory one. Animals of exceptional 
interest were received; fair progress was made in recruiting the 
organization, although it still is not fully manned; and some repair 
work was accomplished. 
Minor improvements included the construction of 1,200 linear feet 
of concrete copings and 12,000 square feet of bituminous concrete 
sidewalks around some of the animal exhibits and adjacent to road- 
ways; surfacing 4,800 square yards of parking area near the Harvard 
Street entrance and a short length of service road with penetrating 
oil and slag covering; constructing and placing 48 park benches made 
with concrete legs and wood slats. 
Chemical fighting of poison ivy was continued with good success. 
Supplies of building maintenance material which had become badly 
depleted were somewhat replenished, and some construction, repair, 
and maintenance equipment was obtained. As a whole the physical 
condition of the establishment has been improved by concentrating on 
the places that were most in need of attention. 
The National Zoological Park renders a variety of services to the 
American public. Besides the public exhibits of nearly 2,800 animals 
and the providing of an attractive recreation area, opportunities are 
offered for students of biology, particularly vertebrate zoology, as 
well as for artists, photographers, writers, and research workers— 
provided the method of research does not endanger the welfare of the 
animals or of the public. Other direct services are answering in per- 
son, by phone, mail, and telegraph, questions regarding animals, 
their care and transportation; the furnishing of information to other 
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