CINCINNATI ZOO GUIDE 
yet very exciting. It is very difficult to capture a large male 
sea lion. Parties desiring to capture sea lions go to Santa 
Barbara, where they engage men for this purpose who have 
had years of experience in capturing them. Four or five experts 
of this character usually approach the animals that are out 
on the rocks near the beach and select from a hundred or 
more the one which they desire to capture. The animals start 
for the water and when they arrive at a convenient place on the 
beach three lassoes are thrown simultaneously, one over the 
animal’s neck, one over either of his front flippers, and one over 
the rear flippers. The lasso over his rear flipper takes away the 
motive power of the animal. The ropes are held by some of the 
men while a large box, which has already been made, without 
cover, is carefully stood on end behind the animal and then 
dropped over him as he lies stretched at full length on the sand. 
Small ropes are worked under the animal and the box, and then 
lashed to the top of the box. At a given signal the ropes are 
loosened, the box turned over, and the animal held on his back 
until the cover is securely nailed down. At feeding time when 
they observe the approach of their keeper the sea lions become 
greatly excited. Their agility as they dart through the water, 
and their reckless plunges from the rookery to capture the fish 
thrown by their keeper, causes the water to splash in all 
directions, and it is not only amusing to see the animals 
capture their food but also to see the spectators get out of the 
way of the water. The rookery is greatly enjoyed by the sea 
lions, who frequently climb upon it in bright days and there 
sun themselves for hours at a time. 
THE RACCOON TREE 
This is always very interesting to visitors. A high wire netting, 
arched with tin, surrounds it so that they can not climb out. 
There are always a large number of raccoons here, and they are 
seen running around over the ground and climbing out on the 
branches of the tree. They are of quite a good-natured dis¬ 
position, and it is quite interesting to watch their movements. 
A description of the raccoon is given in another part of this 
book. 
