REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 



OF THE 



ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 



FOR the year 1903 we are able to report a great advance to- 

 ward the completion of the Zoological Park. Not only has 

 the usual progress been made in the construction of perma- 

 nent improvements, but the collections have been increased by 

 the acquisition of many new animals of noteworthy value. In 

 response to this progress, the attendance of visitors has also 

 increased over the number of the previous year by nearly sixty 

 per cent. 



Of the events fully accomplished during the year, the most im- 

 portant were the opening of the Lion House, the completion and 

 stocking of the Antelope House, the receipt of the Whitney Buf- 

 falo herd and Elk herd, the completion of the four new Bear 

 Dens, and the building and stocking of the Llama House. Im- 

 portant events provided for development and completion in the 

 near future were the building of the large Bird House, Ostrich 

 and Small Mammal Houses, large Deer Barn, and the improve- 

 ment of the south half of Baird Court. 



It is again a satisfaction to be able to report that the relations 

 of the Zoological Park with the public, and the various City 

 Departments with which it regularly comes in touch, continue to 

 be cordial. The usefulness of the Park to educators and students, 

 to animal painters and sculptors, to authors and illustrators, and 

 also to the officers of other zoological gardens and parks, is of 

 sufficient importance to indicate, even at this early date, the value 

 of a zoological park as an educational institution. 



ATTENDANCE. 



Notwithstanding the fact that the street railway facilities for 

 reaching the entrances to the Zoological Park are as far away 

 as ever, the attendance of visitors has shown a surprising increase. 

 The absence of a street railway on Pelham Avenue is a source 

 of constant surprise and annoyance to visitors, and this dissatis- 

 faction is very frequently expressed by those who are compelled 



