CHAPTER XXI 



ZOOLOGISCHER GARTEN, LEIPZIG : DIRECTOR, DR. ERNST 



PINKERT 



The Zoological Garden in Leipzig has gradually worked 

 itself up from very small beginnings to its present 

 greatness and extent. It was, indeed, the present 

 Director, Herr Ernst Pinkert, who, so to speak, laid 

 the foundation-stone in 1876 with a little house for 

 crocodiles. Through his energy and business activity, 

 he succeeded in a relatively short time in bringing the 

 Garden up to its present high standard, and in creating 

 an institution for which the Leipzig people are much 

 indebted to him. 



In 1899 Herr Pinkert's incessant energy and 

 organization were rewarded by the Garden being 

 purchased by a company of shareholders, who ap- 

 pointed him Director. 



The Company of the Zoological Garden ended its 

 first business year at the end of 1899. Allowing for 

 the unavoidable disturbances caused by storms in the 

 summer and by new buildings being erected, the first 

 year was financially a success. The report for 1899 

 showed a clear profit of £403. Whilst the Ashanti 

 Exhibition was being held on June 4 the Garden was 

 visited by 19,718 persons, constituting a record day. 



