BEAUTIFYING THE ZOOLOGICAL PARK 



By Hermann W. Merkel 

 Chief Forester and Constructor 



THE planting of any zoological park of 

 magnitude presents the same problems 

 and needs as those of other parks, with 

 several others that are due to zoological con- 

 siderations. Much additional planting is neces- 

 sary, and some of the planting, which all rules 

 of landscape architecture demand, is not pos- 

 sible on account of the inexorable, demands of 

 the animal kingdom, as opposed to the possibili- 

 ties of the vegetable world. For example, many 

 an ugly corner could be hidden by shrubbery if 

 the animals would only refrain from eating such 

 planting; and many a fine natural vista could 

 and would be preserved were it not for the 

 necessity of having the animals and shelter 

 houses and shade trees necessary to a zoological 

 park. Lakes and ponds would teem with 

 aquatic plants if they did not teem with preda- 

 tory wild ducks and geese; and the Cranes' Pad- 

 dock would be a fine smooth lawn if the cranes 

 did not consider it their life work to discover 

 what the grass roots look like. Therefore, a 

 compromise instead of perfection in design often 

 is the only thing possible in a park or portion 

 of a park where wild animals are kept for ex- 

 hibition. 



The writer has yet in mind the mental picture 

 that he had made of the ultimate appearance of 



the interior of the Flying Cage, and the effort 

 that was made to obtain that ideal. Lotus and 

 papyrus were waving in the summer breeze, 

 showing off to perfection the vivid red of the 

 flamingo and delicate rose color of the roseate 

 spoonbill. Bamboos and banana plants, cannas 

 and great palms were affording nesting sites 

 and shelters for the herons and ibises. Cormo- 

 rants and pelicans were harmlessly diving and 

 sporting among water-lilies that matched the 

 gorgeous hues of the mandarin ducks. The 

 great Victoria regia spread its immense leaves 

 for the support of the dainty gallinules and 

 egrets. 



So far so good. Everything was provided 

 and planted to produce this picture; the birds 

 were awaited and peace reigned supreme. 



The great day came. The birds were turned 

 loose, and — but let me draw a veil over the 

 record of the next agonizing day and night. 

 To the credit of the winged destructors I will 

 add that we did recover, perfectly uninjured 

 and as good as new, several palm tubs and 

 flower pots. So much for what might have been. 



In planning the planting of the New York 

 Zoological Park, the Executive Committee and 

 its advisors early adopted a definite policy, and 

 has adhered to it as strictly as possible through- 



