DETAIL OF DECORATION OF LION HOUSE. 



REPORT 

 OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 



THE year 1902, the fourth in the development of the Zoologi- 

 cal Park and of the serious work of the Society, was marked 

 by most satisfactory progress. The event of chief imj)ortance was 

 the transfer of the New York Aquarium to the management of 

 the Society. This came without suggestion on our part, and is 

 gratifying evidence of the confidence in our administration of the 

 Zoological Park felt by the municipal authorities. The completion 

 of the Lion House and the awarding of the contract for the Ante- 

 lope House bring us two steps nearer the completion of our 

 scheme of buildings. We also have to record the erection of 

 several most attractive small installations, and the receipt of im- 

 portant gifts. 



THE NEW YORK AQUARIUM 



One of the first acts of the Hon. William R. Willcox, when he 

 assumed the presidency of the Park Board, was to send for the 

 officers of the Society and suggest the transfer of the Aquarium 

 to our management, in order that it might be placed on a perma- 

 nent and scientific basis and be brought into closer touch with the 

 educational system of the city. The committee was at first reluc- 

 tant to assume this additional responsibility ; but finally consented 



