78 POPULAR OFFICIAL GUIDE. 



The Puma, or Mountain Lion, (Felis concolor), is the 

 most widely-known feline in North America. At present 

 it is at home in Florida, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, 

 Texas, and all the states westward thereof. Southward it 

 inhabits Mexico and Central America, and ranges through 

 South America quite down to southern Patagonia. It at- 

 tains its maximum size (8 feet in length, weight 225 pounds) 

 in Colorado, where it appears to be more numerous than in 

 any other state. In Routt County it is hunted very success- 

 fully with dogs. When pursued, it is compelled to take 

 refuge in a low tree, in which it can be photographed or shot 

 without danger. 



Despite the numerous thrilling stories that have been 

 written and published about the dangerous doings of this 

 animal, it is by no means really dangerous to man. No 

 Puma holding an option on a safe line of retreat ever stops 

 to fight a man. 



The Puma was formed for agility rather than strength. 

 It swims well, and it is the most agile climber of all the 

 large felines. The head of this animal is particularly beau- 

 tiful, and its temper in captivity is entirely satisfactory. 

 The first specimen of this species to enter the Zoological 

 Park came from Peru, as a gift from Mr. Joseph P. Grace, 

 and during the years 1901 and 1902 it lived out doors, con- 

 stantly, in the Puma House (No. 33A), where its health was 

 excellent. 



THE SEA-LIONS, No. 12. 



Of all animals which find permanent homes in zoological 

 gardens and parks, very few afford the public more con- 

 stant entertainment than Sea-Lions. They are delightfully 

 active, and in one way or another — diving, swimming, climb- 

 ing or hopping about — are nearly always "showing off." 

 No one within a quarter of a mile of their pool need inquire 

 where they are, for their loud and cheerful "Hook! hook! 

 hook," is heard far and wide, and draws visitors like a 

 magnet. 



The Sea-Lion Pool is situated about in the center of Baird 

 Court. 



The California Sea-Lion, or "Barking Sea-Lion," (Zalo- 

 phus calif ornianus) , is the species most easily caught alive, 

 and the one usually seen in captivity. Its home is the coast 

 of California, but it is said to enter the Sacramento River 

 and travel upward for a considerable distance in pursuit of 



