Chapter IV: Section I: The Mammals (2)

After several years of experiments, we must admit that to all the American members of the Deer Family save the wapiti white-tailed and mule deer, the climate of New York City is decidedly inimical. This densely humid and extremely saline atmosphere is about as deadly to the black-tail, caribou and moose as it is to the Eskimo; and thus far we have found it an absolute impossibility to maintain satisfactory herds of those species in the ranges available for them. In great tracts of forests, some of them might become acclimatized; but, be that as it may, all experiments made thus far both here and in two of the great game preserves of New England, prove conclusively that black-tail deer, mule deer, caribou, moose, and also prong-horned antelope, are among the most difficult of all ruminants to acclimatize anywhere in the United States eastward of the great plains.

Although the Zoological Society will continue its experiments with some of these preserve species, and will always strive to exhibit some of them, our original hopes regarding them have been abandoned. We are certain that the difficulty lies not in the food, but in climate conditions, that are beyond our control, and especially our very salty atmosphere.

The American Elk, or Wapiti, (_Cervus canadensis._)—Of all the numerous members of the Deer Family, this animal is second in size to the moose only; and in the autumn, when its pelage is bright and luxuriant, its sides well rounded, its massive antlers clean and held conspicuously aloft, the elk may justly be called the king of the _Cervidae_. It is well that in the Yellowstone Park we have an unfailing supply of Elk, which bids fair to perpetuate this handsome species for another century.

Our Elk Range might well stand for a mountain park, in which is set a natural lakelet of real value. In October, when the splendid groves of beech, oak, and maple along the eastern ridge put on all the glorious tints of autumn, and the big thicket of sumacs, ash, and haw on the northern hill fairly blaze with scarlet—then are the elk also at their best. There is no finer picture in animate nature than a herd of elk in October, with such a setting of greensward, tree-trunk, and foliage.

The maximum shoulder height of the Elk is 5 feet 4 inches, or thereabouts, and the heaviest weight noted thus far is 927 pounds.

The calves are born from May to July, and are spotted during the first six months. During the first year the antlers are merely two straight spikes, called “dag antlers.” As in all members of the Deer Family, the antlers are shed every year—which to many persons is almost beyond belief. Any person who visits a zoological garden in midsummer will see that the old antlers have dropped off bodily, just below the burr, and that new antlers, covered with hair, soft, full of blood, and with club-like “points,” have sprung up like mushrooms in place of the old ones. In supplying the great drain on the system necessary to support this remarkable growth, the Elk grows thin, and the fear of hurting his tender young antlers makes him quite timid and inoffensive. He is no longer the tyrant of the herd, and a constant menace to his keepers.

At this point it is not amiss to call attention to the differences between _horns_ and _antlers_.

A _horn_ is a hollow sheath, growing over a bony core, and except in the case of the prong-horned antelope, is never shed. Horns are worn by both sexes of all bison, buffaloes, cattle, antelope, sheep, and goats.

An _antler_ is of solid bone throughout, growing from the skull; it is shed every year close to the skull, and quickly renewed. Usually antlers have several branches. They are worn by nearly all male members of the Deer Family—moose, elk, caribou, deer, etc., and also by the female caribou. The prongs on an antler are no index of the wearer’s age. Some of the finest and most massive elk antlers have only twelve or fourteen points. During August and September the hairy covering, or “velvet,” of new antlers is rubbed off against trees and bushes. This period is quickly followed by the mating season, during which the neck of the bull becomes unusually large, and often the animal becomes dangerous.

Although the Elk is essentially a timber-loving animal, it also wandered far into the plains bordering the Rocky Mountains on the east—until driven from them by man. The ideal home of this animal is the timbered foothills of our western mountains, up to 8,000 feet. Although once found from Virginia and New York to Oregon, and from northern Manitoba to the Gulf of Mexico, it is now numerous only in and adjacent to the Yellowstone Park, in central Colorado, where it is well protected, and in western Manitoba. The number of Elk in the National Park is variously estimated at from 10,000 head to a much larger number.

In a wild state, the Elk feeds on grasses, weeds, and the leaves and twigs of various trees and shrubs. Of all American deer, it is the most easy to acclimate and breed in captivity. Large herds are now being maintained and bred in numerous private game preserves in New Hampshire, New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. About 200 head have been released in the Adirondacks.

The Mule Deer, (_Odocoileus hemionus._)—This fine animal is universally known throughout the Rocky Mountain region, which constitutes its home, as the “Black-Tailed Deer.” Because of its very large ears, _and the absence of a black tail_, it is known to naturalists as the Mule Deer. Inasmuch as its tail is not black, the above more common name properly applies to _Odocoileus columbianus_, the true black-tailed deer of the Pacific coast. In Manitoba this animal is called the “Jumping Deer,” because when running at a gallop, it makes a series of stiff-legged jumps, or “bucks,” of great length.

The weight of full-grown bucks ranges from 250 to 300 pounds, and specimens have been known to reach 325 pounds. The antlers of the Mule Deer are larger and handsomer than those of the white-tailed deer, and are much better poised on the head. Instead of dropping forward, they partake more of the set of an elk’s antlers, and many a “tenderfoot” hunter has mistaken a heavily-antlered Mule Deer for an elk. The antlers of a Mule Deer are easily distinguished from those of the white-tailed species by the two Y-shaped prongs on each antler. It will be remembered that instead of these, the white-tailed deer antler bears three straight, perpendicular spikes.

The Mule Deer makes its home in rugged ravines and bad lands so common along the creeks and rivers of the Rocky Mountain region, extending well eastward into the plains. Of late years it has been driven out of the most accessible of its former haunts, and forced to take shelter in the rugged fastnesses of the foothills and mountains. West of the Rocky Mountains it was formerly found along the whole Pacific slope, from Cape St. Lucas to British Columbia, although in northern California it is almost replaced by the Columbian Black-Tail, (_O. columbianus_).

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANTLERS OF A MALE DEER.

These pictures show the stages of growth of the antlers from the time the old ones are dropped, to the full development. Number 1 shows the bull with the one antler gone—picture made early in March. Number 6 shows the full grown antlers, with the velvet hanging in strips. Number 6 was made August 24 of the same year as Number 1. This remarkable antler development takes place every year in the life of all male deer.

The White-Tailed Deer, (_Odocoileus virginianus_), is the species most widely known throughout the United States, partly by reason of the fact that it was the first species with which the early settlers of America became acquainted, partly because of its wide distribution, and also its persistence in holding its own. In various localities this animal is known under various names, such as “White-Tailed Deer,” “Flag-Tailed Deer,” and “Fan-Tailed Deer.” Although not at all in need of it, quite recently it has received still another name—American Deer. The small deer of Florida, and also of New Mexico and the Southwest, have been described as separate forms; and if size is to be accepted as a factor in the differentiation of species, the diminutive proportions of the proposed southern species are quite sufficient to establish their separate identity.

The White-Tailed deer of Virginia and the northern United States is a fine animal—large, strong-limbed, heavily-antlered, and hardy. Between it and the deer of Florida the difference is as great as that between a setter dog and a mastiff. Thanks to the fact that this species is a born skulker and lives only in thick brush and timber, it still holds its own throughout the forest regions of the South generally, Pennsylvania, the Adirondacks, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Montana, and Colorado. In the West it is often found inhabiting brushy ravines and river bottoms.

This species breeds readily in confinement, and when protected in any large tract of brush or timber, increases rapidly. During the months of September, October, and November, the bucks are dangerous and untrustworthy. The peculiar formation of the antlers—three strong, spear-like points thrust straight upward from the beam—makes them dangerous weapons; and when an ill-tempered buck lowers his chin and drives straight forward with eight sharp spears of solid bone, and nearly three hundred pounds of weight to back them, he may well be considered a dangerous animal. He is to be feared less than the elk only because he is smaller.

The Woodland Caribou, (_Rangifer caribou_).—The first hoofed animal to arrive at the Zoological Park was a young female of this species, which was procured in Champlain County, Canada, and forwarded to the Society by one of our members, Mr. George S. Huntington. These animals, when present in the Park, will be kept in a small enclosure, because a large range containing an abundance of green grass is fatal to them.

The wild range of the Woodland Caribou extends from Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Maine, with many wide gaps, to the head waters of the Yukon River, in southern Alaska. The following localities are worthy of special mention: northern Quebec and Ontario; James Bay; the northern end of Lake Winnipeg (occasionally); Lake of Woods, Minnesota; Oregon near Mount Hood; northern Idaho; northwestern Montana, and the mountains of British Columbia.

Quite recently, three new species of caribou have been added to our fauna, one from the Alaskan Peninsula (_Rangifer granti_), one from the Kenai Peninsula (_Rangifer stonei_), and one from the Cassiar Mountains (_Rangifer osborni_).

The Woodland Caribou attains nearly twice the bodily bulk of its more northern congener, the Barren-Ground caribou. In a state of nature it lives on browse, reindeer moss, tree moss, and lichens, and it loves ice-covered lakes and ponds as much as any boy. Its loose-jointed and wide spreading hoofs and enormously developed “dew-claws” have been specially designed by Nature to enable this animal to run freely, as if on snow-shoes, over snow or bogs, which to any small-hoofed deer would be quite impassable.

The female Woodland Caribou is provided with small antlers, which, like those of the male, are shed and renewed annually.

In the absence of caribou in the Park, visitors are advised to look for specimens of the Lapland Reindeer, (_Rangifer tarandus_), for we shall endeavor to keep this genus represented.

THE ZEBRA HOUSES, No. 14.

Although the main building of this installation has not yet been erected, the plan for the various buildings and corrals has been approved, and the main building was begun in 1911 and completed in 1912. The three buildings, and the extensive corrals connecting with them, as a whole, do justice to the important and picturesque Family _Equidae_, which includes all the zebras, wild asses and wild horses of the world.

The Prjevalsky Horses, (_Equus prjevalskii_).—Of all the wild equines which either now or hereafter may be seen in the Zoological Park, the strange little wild horses from western Mongolia are, and probably will remain, the most interesting, from a zoological point of view. Broadly speaking, they are the connecting link between the many-striped zebras, the little-striped quaggas and the wild asses on one side, and the domestic, unstriped horse on the other. These wild horses possess a narrow, dark dorsal stripe, which, in the winter pelage is scarcely visible, but in summer is plainly evident. A perfect specimen has an erect mane, no long forelock and no “chestnuts” on its legs. On the upper half of its tail the hair is short, and mule-like, but on the lower, or terminal half, it is long and horse-like. The winter coat of this animal is very long and shaggy.

Mountain Zebra, (_Equus zebra_).—This species has been nearly exterminated by man, and is rarely seen in captivity. It inhabits the mountains of Cape Colony, and it is estimated that only 400 individuals remain, which now are carefully protected.

Grevy Zebra, (_Equus grevyi_).—This picturesque species was discovered in Abyssinia, when Jules Grevy was president of France, and it was named in his honor. It is of large size, covered with very narrow stripes all over its body, head and limbs, and its huge ears are of remarkable form. This species is limited to southern Abyssinia and British East Africa southward to the Tana River.

Grant Zebra, (_Equus burchelli granti_).—Of all the zebras now seen in captivity, the great majority belong to what very properly may be designated as the group of Burchell Zebras. This group contains, besides the type species, which has practically no stripes on its legs, four subspecies, whose legs are more or less striped, and which may or may not possess “shadow stripes” on the hind-quarters. A “shadow stripe” is a faint, dark stripe in the middle of a wide white or pale yellow stripe which lies between two broad black stripes.

Grant Zebra is the most heavily striped of the subspecies composing the Burchell group. The visitor will observe that its horizontal leg-stripes are very pronounced, and so numerous that they are carried quite down to the hoofs. The ground-color of the animal is a cold white, and the thigh and body stripes are very wide and intense. This fine pair was captured in Masailand, East Africa, in 1902.

Chapman Zebra, (_Equus burchelli chapmani_), also belongs to the Burchell group, and in its color pattern it approaches quite nearly to the type. The legs of the male bear a few stripes, those of the female almost none. There are visible on the hind-quarters of the female a few faint shadow-stripes.

The Persian Wild Ass, (_Equus persicus_), is a very satisfactory representative of the wild asses generally. Its dorsal-stripe is very wide and sharply defined, but it bears no shoulder-stripe, and those that are faintly indicated on its legs are nothing more than oblong blotches of dark color. As its name implies, it inhabits Persia, and Syria, and a closely related form, the Onager, (_E. onager_), is found in Beluchistan and western India. A third species, the Kiang (_E. hemionus_), is found on the plains of Tibet.

THE ASIATIC AND EUROPEAN DEER, Nos. 1-3.

In representatives of the deer, (Family _Cervidae_), Asia far surpasses all other countries. Her species number about 38,—fully double that of any other continental area,—and from the great Altai wapiti to the tiny musk deer, the variations in size and form are fairly bewildering. The entire hill that rises between the Fordham Entrance and Bird Valley, from Cope Lake to the Zebra Houses, is devoted to the series of houses, corrals and ranges that are occupied by the deer of Asia and Europe.

It is quite certain that a number of desirable species of Asiatic deer can successfully be acclimatized in the parks and game preserves of America, and induced to breed. Almost without an exception they are strong and vigorous feeders, and they keep fat and sleek when our own black-tail, mule deer and white-tail mince like pampered epicures, grow thinner and thinner, and finally die of “malnutrition.”

Believing that the members of the group amply justify the effort, the Zoological Society has been at considerable pains to bring together a fine, representative collection of the Old World _Cervidae_ and properly install its members. Although the series proposed is not quite complete, it contains such rarities as the Altai Wapiti, Barasingha, Burmese Thameng, Malay and Indian Sambar, and several others. They are sheltered by four houses, the largest of which crowns the summit of the hill on the right of Osborn Walk as the visitor enters from Fordham. For the visitors’ convenience we will make note of the various species about in the order of their appearance, and not in zoological sequence.

The Axis Deer, (_Axis axis_), is the handsomest of all the tropical deer. Indeed, it may even be said to be the only species of the tropics possessing both form and pelage which are alike pleasing to the eye. In contrast with the many beautiful and splendidly colored antelopes of Africa, the deer of the tropics, all round the world, are poorly provided with those characters which make a handsome animal. With the sole exception of the Axis Deer, nearly all the other deer of the East Indies have thin, coarse, dull-colored hair, their antlers are small, and seldom have more than four points. This is equally true of the deer of Mexico, Central and South America. Even our own white-tailed deer, so lusty and fine in the North, becomes in Florida and Texas so dwarfed that it has now been called a subspecies.

Considering the severe plainness of all the other deer in the tropics, it is a little strange that the coat of the Axis should be the most beautiful possessed by any deer. But it is quite true; and apart from the majesty of the elk, there is no more beautiful sight in cervine life than the picture offered by a herd of Axis Deer feeding in a sunlit glade surrounded by forest.

This species adapts itself to out-door life in the temperate zone with surprising readiness, not even second in that respect to the eland. As a matter of course the Axis can not withstand the fierce blizzards of midwinter as do the elk and other northern deer; but a reasonable degree of care in providing it with a dry barn, and shelter from cold winds, enables it to live even as far north as northern Germany with perfect comfort. In winter our Axis Deer barn is moderately heated by a stove.

The Japanese Sika Deer, (_Cervus sika typicus_), is a small representative of a large group of deer species inhabiting far-eastern Asia, and known as the Sika Deer group. A ridiculous number of forms have been described as species and subspecies, of which possibly one-third are entitled to stand. Some of those on the Asian mainland, as the Pekin Sika Deer, are much larger than the Japanese Sika, and also more strikingly colored. The latter species, shown in our northernmost corral, is about 33 inches in height, and of a dull and uninteresting smoky-brown color. Its antlers are quite large for a deer so small, and in the mating season males are sometimes dangerous. This species is very hardy, breeds persistently, requires no heat in winter, and very rarely sends a case to the hospital.

The Fallow Deer, (_Dama vulgaris_), is the type of a distinct group of deer which are distinguished by the possession of antlers widely palmated throughout the upper half of the beam. In some old Fallow bucks the antlers are quite moose-like, and give this small deer an imposing appearance far out of proportion to its actual size. The weight of a large buck in prime condition generally is between 180 and 200 pounds, and its shoulder height is between 36 and 40 inches. The largest antlers recorded by Mr. J. G. Millais, in his beautiful work on “The British Deer,” measured 29½ inches in length, 28½ inches spread, width of palmation 8 inches, and the number of points 14. The extinct Irish elk, with the most colossal antlers ever carried by a cervine animal, was a near relative of the two living species of Fallow Deer.

Although a native of northern Africa and the north shore of the Mediterranean, the Fallow Deer was acclimatized in England and northern Europe so long ago that the exact date records of the event have disappeared, and the species is now at home in very many European forests and game preserves. The deer parks in England possess many fine herds, but they sometimes exhibit one unfortunate result of long breeding in a semi-domesticated state—departure from the original type.

The typical Fallow Deer is in winter very dark brown, with light brown legs and under parts, and in summer light red with white spots—quite like the axis. From this standard, the variations run from pure white through the color of the wild type to jet black.

The fine herd in the Zoological Park is the gift of Mr. William Rockefeller. Six of its original members came from the donor’s herd at Greenwich, Connecticut, and six were purchased from one of the imperial parks of Russia, by consent of the Czar, and represent the most hardy stock obtainable.

The Burmese, or Eld Deer, (_Cervus eldi_), also known as the Brow-Antler Deer, is one of the rarest species to be seen in captivity. Living specimens are acquired only through special expeditions to northern Burma. Its most characteristic feature is the antlers of the male, which sends forward a very long and almost straight brow tine, while the main beam sweeps backward in the opposite direction, and describes a full semicircle. The antlers are both very heavy and long for the size of the animal. The specimens shown here, which are breeding satisfactorily, are the gift of Mr. William Rockefeller.

The Barasingha Deer, (_Cervus duvauceli_), also called the Swamp Deer, is to India what the mule deer is to North America. To my mind, the antlers of the former always suggests the latter species, and in size the two species are much alike. In summer the coat of the Barasingha is of a beautiful golden-yellow color, conspicuous from afar, and the antlers of old males reach a length of from 35 to 41 inches, with three bifurcations on each beam. The antlers sometimes are shed and renewed twice in twelve months. With us this species breeds very regularly, and the offspring mature well.

The Altai Wapiti, (_Cervus canadensis asiaticus_), is, in all probability, the parent stock of our American elk, but it happens to be a fact that our species was the first to be discovered by systematic zoologists, and described. To all visitors who are interested in deer, the Altai Wapiti—and also the Tashkent Wapiti—are a constant source of wonder, because of their well-nigh perfect similarity in all points to our own wapiti, or American elk. Our Asiatic wapiti are exhibited in ranges connecting with the western rooms of the Asiatic Deer House, where they have bred twice, and produced two fine fawns. In the rutting season the males are very cross and dangerous. They are hardy, and require no heat in winter.

The Indian Sambar, (_Cervus unicolor_), always suggests a tropical understudy of the Altai wapiti, clad with thin, coarse, bristly hair, and with shorter and smaller antlers, and a bristly mane all over the neck. Each antler possesses three points, only. Of all the Old World _Cervidae_, this species most nearly approaches the size of the Altai and Tashkent wapiti. It inhabits the hill forests of India, and in Burma, Siam and farther south it is replaced by the next species.

The Malay Sambar, (_Cervus equinus_), also called—most inappropriately—the “Horse-Tailed Deer,” very strongly resembles the preceding species, except that the bristly mane of the former is generally absent. The antlers of this species are shorter, also, but very thick in proportion to their length. The Malay Sambar is confined to the Malay Peninsula and the countries immediately above, and Borneo and Sumatra.

This species possesses many admirable qualities, and it might be introduced to advantage in our southern states. It is very even-tempered and sensible, easily handled, is a vigorous feeder, breeds persistently, and matures very rapidly; but in every New York winter, it requires some heat in its barn.

The Maral Deer, (_Cervus maral_), is in appearance like an extra large red deer or a small elk. It is a midway member of the Wapiti group, which extends in a somewhat broken chain from Colorado, northward across Bering Strait to Asia, and thence across Asia and Europe to Scotland. We have owned a fine pair of Maral Deer, from the Caucasus district, but they have failed to breed as expected.

The European Red Deer, (_Cervus elaphus_), is an understudy of the American elk, which it much resembles in form and in habits. Next to the elk it is the finest living deer, and for many generations has held its own against the dangers of in-breeding. In the parks and forest preserves of Great Britain and Europe, it exists abundantly, but only as private property, subject to the guns of the owner and his friends. This species has been successfully crossed with the American elk.

Other Asiatic Deer will be found in the Small-Deer House, in the southern end of the Park.

THE LION HOUSE, No. 15.

As a spectacle of captive animal life, there is none more inspiring than a spacious, well-lighted and finely-appointed lion house, filled with a collection of the world’s greatest and handsomest wild beasts. To build an ideal lion house, and to fill it with a first-class collection of large felines, are matters involving no little time and much money; but the sight,—for the millions of visitors,—of lions, tigers, jaguars, pumas, leopards, cheetahs, black leopards, snow leopards and clouded leopards, all under one roof, surely is worth what it costs.

The Lion House of the Zoological Park was completed, excepting a few minor details, early in the year 1903, and was formally opened to the public in February. It is 244 feet long, 115 feet wide, including the outdoor cages, and its cost when completed reached $150,000. The materials of the building are the same kind as those used in the Reptile House and Primate House, but the animal sculptures, all by Mr. Eli Harvey, are more abundant and conspicuous than on any other structure erected heretofore. The building contains 13 indoor cages, and 9 outdoor cages, and between the two there is free communication. The sizes of the various cages are as follows:

Interior cages: Largest, 14 feet wide, 22 feet deep; smallest, 13 feet wide, 14 feet high.

Exterior cages: two end cages, 40×44 feet, 17 feet high; central cage, 40 feet square, 14 feet high; smallest, 13 feet wide, 12 feet deep, 13 feet high.

Excepting for the single fact of having interior and exterior cages, the Lion House of the Zoological Park is—like the Primate House—an entirely original development. Its most important new features are as follows:

All cage service, the introducing and withdrawal of animals, is conducted from the rear, by means of a track underneath the sleeping dens, and an elevating platform car.

The communication between indoor and outdoor cages is direct and continuous.

Instead of upright iron bars, all the cage fronts are of hard-steel wire netting, in rectangular pattern, attached to wrought iron frames. This is considered by the Zoological Society a great improvement upon the heavy bar-work hitherto in universal use for cage fronts in lion houses.

The space above the sleeping dens has been developed as a sunlit balcony, whereon the animals will be very conspicuous, even to large crowds of visitors.

Jungle-green tiling, impervious to moisture and dirt, is used as a back-ground for the animals.

The Lion is an animal of perpetual interest, but like every other noteworthy wild animal, its haunts are constantly being claimed by civilization, and its members are rapidly decreasing. It is not a difficult matter to exterminate or drive out from a given territory any large and conspicuous quadruped, and at the present rate of settlement and industrial development in Africa, it may easily come to pass that by the end of the present century, the king of beasts will be without a home, outside of zoological collections.

Like everything great, the Lion has his share of critics and detractors. A few writers have asserted that because he does not stalk through his native forests with head proudly erect, like a drum-major on parade, he is mean-spirited and cowardly. But the beast of noble countenance believes in the survival of the fittest, and both by inheritance and observation he knows that a lion who needlessly exposes himself in the field captures the smallest amount of game, and attracts the greatest number of steel-tipped bullets.

Although Lions vary greatly in their color, and in the length of the mane, it is conceded by naturalists that only one species exists. In the same district and under precisely similar conditions are found short-maned and long-maned individuals, and all shades of color from tawny yellow to dark brown. The present geographic range of the species is from Southern Rhodesia to Persia and northwestern India, but in northern Egypt there is a large extent of territory which is lionless.

By reason of his heavy mane and massive countenance, supported by the grandest roar that issues from throat of beast, the Lion appears to be a larger animal than he really is. It is yet an unsettled question whether it exceeds the tiger in length, height or weight, and it is certainly true that in point of size these two species are very evenly matched.

In captivity, the Lion is reasonably contented, and under good conditions breeds readily, and lives a goodly number of years.

The Siberian Tiger.—Strange to say, the tiger ranges far to the northward of its proper home in Hindustan, even to Corea, Manchuria and Russian Siberia. In those cold regions the tiger grows to its greatest size, and is clothed with a dense coat of long and shaggy hair. In collections, the great northern tigers are the most highly prized. The Zoological Park has recently acquired from East Siberia two fine young specimens, born early in 1909, and all the year round they inhabit the great northern outdoor cage attached to the Lion House. It is a strange sight to see tigers living outdoors in winter in New York.

The Tiger will be found upon the earth long after the lion has disappeared. He is a far better hider, a more skillful hunter, less given to taking foolish risks, and he does not advertise his presence and invite his enemies by the bombastic roaring in which the lion delights to indulge. The Tiger is an animal of serious mind, and he attends strictly to business. A lion will stalk out into the open, in broad day, but the Tiger sticks closely to cover until the friendly darkness renders it safe to roam abroad.

Despite the density of the population of India, and the omnipresence of sahibs with rifles of large caliber, the Tiger still inhabits all India from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Burma, Siam, and certain portions of China up to the region of snows. Corean and Siberian Tigers are much sought after by zoological gardens, partly on account of their size, and also because they are so hardy they are able to live out doors all winter in the temperate zone. The Tiger is not found in Africa, nor in any country westward of India.

The maximum length attained by this animal, head, body and tail, is 10 feet 2 inches. A very large specimen killed by Dr. Hornaday measured 9 feet 8½ inches in length, stood 3 feet 7 inches high at the shoulders, and weighed, on the scales, 495 pounds. In India, Tigers are classed according to their habits, as “game-killers,” “cattle-lifters,” or “man-eaters.” Fortunately, in comparison with the total number of these animals, the latter are few and far between.

Of yellow-coated felines, The Jaguar, (_Felis onca_), is next in size to the tiger. In South America, it is almost universally called “El Tigre” (pronounced Te’-gre), which is Spanish for tiger. Comparatively few Americans are aware that this superb animal belongs in the fauna of the United States, but such is the fact. The northern limit of its distribution is found in southern Texas, where it still exists in small numbers. In South America it extends to Patagonia.

The Jaguar is a stocky, heavily-built animal, with a massive head and powerful forearm. It is a good climber, and many wonderful stories of its strength have been told and printed. Among leopards of all kinds it can always be identified by the great size of the black rosettes on its body, as well as by its heavy build.

The splendid male specimen, named “Senor Lopez,” in honor of a former President of Paraguay, was the first to arrive for the new Lion House. It was captured in August, 1901, in the wilds of central Paraguay, expressly for us, through the efforts of Mr. William Mill Butler, of Philadelphia, and by him presented to the Zoological Park. After a long journey in small river craft, in a flimsy wooden cage that several times came near collapsing, the animal reached Asuncion, was taken to Liverpool by Mr. Butler, and finally reached New York.

The Leopard, (_Felis pardus_), is fourth in size from the lion, and is distinguished from the jaguar by smaller spots and less powerful form. It inhabits both Asia and Africa, from Japan to Cape Colony. While the species is regarded as the same throughout that vast extent of territory, it is undoubtedly true that the Leopards of Africa have smaller spots and more intense coloring than those of Asia. The maximum size for this species is a total length of 8 feet, which is attained only by a very large animal, with a long tail.

Naturally, the Leopard preys upon smaller animals than those most sought by the lion and tiger. It prefers small antelopes, and young animals generally, goats and sheep. When pursued, it is very skilful in hiding, and will shelter in brushy cover until fairly beaten out.

The Black Leopard is the most ill-tempered of all feline animals—perpetually snarling and growling, and seeking to do some one an injury. Naturalists regard it as of the same species as the common leopard, (_Felis pardus_), despite the fact that it is found only in southeastern Asia, and both in appearance and disposition is totally different from the typical _pardus_. With but few exceptions, the world’s supply of Black Leopards comes from Singapore.

The Cheetah, or Hunting Leopard, (_Cynaelurus jubatus_), is marked by its long legs, slender body, small head, small spots, and claws that are only partially retractile. Its structure suggests that of the dogs. It is distributed very irregularly through portions of Africa and southern Asia, and is by no means a common animal like the leopard and tiger.

In central India, this animal is trained to hunt the sasin antelope, a form of sport indulged in chiefly by native rajahs. The Cheetah takes kindly to captivity, and permits handling to an extent quite unknown with other large felines. Its keepers place the animal upon an open cart, blindfold it, and then drive to within 200 yards of a herd of antelope. At the point of nearest possible approach, the hood is removed, and the animal is set free. Leaping to the ground, the Cheetah stalks the herd of antelope as closely as possible, then makes a sudden rush forward, and endeavors to seize a victim. If successful, the animal is pulled down and killed. If not, the Cheetah sullenly retires, and again places itself in the hands of its friends.

The Snow Leopard, or Ounce, (_Felis uncia_), is the rarest, and also one of the most beautiful of all the large felines. It inhabits the high plateau of central Asia from the Himalayas to the Altai Mountains of Mongolia, above 9,000 feet. It is the neighbor of the Marco Polo sheep, the giant-horned argali, and the Siberian ibex. In its home country, this creature is sufficiently numerous that 2,000 tanned skins sometimes reach Shanghai in a single year, but owing to its great distance from railways and sea, not more than fifteen or twenty specimens have reached the zoological gardens of Europe and America. Some individuals are good-natured and playful, but others are morose.

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 attains 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 successfully 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 beautiful, 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, constantly, 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 constant entertainment than Sea-Lions. They are delightfully active, and in one way or another—diving, swimming, climbing 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,” (_Zalophus californianus_), 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 spawning salmon. Comparatively few Sea-Lions are now found on the mainland coast of California. On the United States Light-House reservations their slaughter is prohibited by the Light-House Board.

The California Sea-Lion is very similar in size, and, leaving the old males out of consideration, it is almost the exact counterpart in form of that apple of perpetual international discord—the Alaskan “fur seal.” The unfortunate fact that the latter animal has become known as a “seal,” has caused much confusion in people’s minds regarding the classification of pinnipeds (fin-footed animals) generally. For this reason, it is proper to observe at this point that:

_Sea-Lions_ have flat, triangular, naked front flippers, without claws; they have long necks, and carry their heads high. There are nine species, of which the so-called “fur seal” is one.

_Seals_ always have short and stubby front flippers, which are covered with hair, and provided with claws. In most species the hair is coarse and valueless. The seal has a very short neck and by reason of the weakness of its front flippers, it is not nearly so active nor so interesting as the sea-lion.

The Atlantic Walrus inhabits the arctic regions between America and Europe, and it is estimated that not more than ten specimens ever have been exhibited in captivity. Because of their unusual feeding habits, Walruses are very difficult to keep alive. Their standard food is clams; and frequently clams are very difficult to obtain. The Atlantic Walrus grows to great size, probably exceeding 4,000 pounds in weight. The specimen exhibited in the rocky pool near the Reptile House was presented by Mr. Paul J. Rainey, in 1911, and has thriven continuously ever since its arrival. It was captured in Kane Basin, north of Baffin’s Bay.

The Harbor Seal, (_Phoca vitulina_), is the species common along our Atlantic coast, and since it serves so well as a type of hair seals, or true seals, it will occasionally be shown in the Park. In comparison with the active and vivacious sea-lion, it is a tame and rather uninteresting creature; but neither has any commercial value, save for the purposes of exhibition when alive.

THE PRIMATE HOUSE, No. 17.

The Primates are the four-handed animals belonging to the zoological order called by that name, which includes man, the anthropoid apes both great and small, the baboons, monkeys and lemurs. The word “monkey” is by no means sufficiently comprehensive to embrace all these forms. Were it otherwise, this building would be called, officially, the Monkey House.

The Primates include the creatures which stand nearest to man in the zoological scale, and in interest to all classes of humanity they stand above all others. There is no intelligent person, civilized or savage, to whom the humanlikeness of apes and monkeys does not appeal. On the other hand, some of the baboons are in feature and temper so thoroughly beast-like, their diabolism is almost as fascinating as the man-like character of the great apes. The variety of forms in the Order Primates, and the wide differences between the various groups, imperatively demand, for the proper representation of this Order, a large collection.

The Primate House was erected in 1901, at a cost of $65,000, and opened to the public on December 22d, of that year. It is 162 feet in length, 74 feet in width, contains 16 large interior cages, 22 small cages, and 11 exterior cages, two of which are of great size. The points of special excellence in this building are as follows: An abundance of room for the animals, an abundance of sunlight, perfect ventilation, an extensive series of open-air cages, freedom of communication between outside and inside cages, floors and walls impervious to moisture and disease germs, and the absence of iron bars from all cages save three.

During the months of mild weather, all the inmates of the large interior cages occupy, at will, corresponding cages in the outdoor series. It is also intended that certain hardy species of baboons, and the red-faced monkey of Japan, shall be provided with comfortable sleeping quarters and live outdoors, every winter. It is believed that they can do this, not only with comfort, but with great physical benefit.

For general convenience, and the promotion of a universal understanding of the primates, we propose to set them forth in four groups, a subdivision strictly according to Nature, readily comprehended, and easily remembered They are as follows, with typical examples of each:

I. Anthropoid Apes.

Chimpanzee _Anthropopithecus calvus_ of Africa.
Orang-Utan _Simia satyrus_ “ Borneo.
Gray Gibbon _Hylobates leuciscus_ “ “

II. Old World Monkeys and Baboons.

Mona Monkey _Cercopithecus mona_ “ Africa.
White-Collared Mangabey _Cercocebus collaris_ “ “
Magot: Barbary “Ape” _Macacus inuus_ “ N. Africa.
Japanese Red-Faced Monkey _ “ fuscatus_ “ Japan.
Pig-Tailed Monkey _ “ nemestrinus_ “ E. India.
Rhesus Monkey _ “ rhesus_ “ India.
Entellus Monkey _ “ entellus_ “ “
Black “Ape” _Cynopithecus niger_ “ Celebes.
Golden Baboon _Papio babuin_ “ N. Africa.
Hamadryas _ “ hamadryas_ “ Arabia.
Mandrill _ “ mormon_ “ W. Africa.
Gelada _Theropithecus gelada_ “ Abyssinia.

III. New World Monkeys.

White-Throated Sapajou _Cebus hypoleucus_ “ S. America.
Red-Faced Spider Monkey _Ateles paniscus_ “ “ “
White-Headed Saki _Pithecia leucocephala_ “ “ “
Yarkee: Short-Tailed Monkey _Brachyurus calva_ “ “ “
Squirrel Monkey _Chrysothrix sciurea_ “ “ “
Common Marmoset _Hapale jacchus_ “ “ “
Douroucoli _Nyctipithecus trivirgatus_ “ “ “

IV. Lemurs and Lemuroids.

Ring-Tailed Lemur _Lemur catta_ “ Madagascar.
Indri _Indri brevicaudata_ “ India.
Galago _Galago galago_ “ Madagascar.
Slow Lemur _Nycticebus tardigradus_ “ Madagascar.
Aye-Aye _Cheiromys “ India.
madagascariensis_

Nearly all the above-named species are now living in the Primate House, besides which there are many others. So far as the available supply of captive primates will permit, these typical species will constantly be kept on exhibition, together with many others equally interesting. In this small volume it is possible to notice only the most important forms.

The Gorilla, (_Gorilla savagei_), of equatorial West Africa, is the largest and ugliest of the great apes, walks erect, and in form of body and limbs, it most resembles man. Its brain, however, is less man-like than that of the chimpanzee and orang-utan. It is very rarely seen in captivity. The only specimen which up to 1911 had reached America alive lived but five days after its arrival. Despite the fact that these creatures seldom live in captivity longer than a few months, they are always being sought by zoological gardens. The agents of the New York Zoological Society are constantly on the watch for an opportunity to procure and send hither a good specimen of this wonderful creature; and whenever one arrives, all persons interested are advised to see it _immediately_,—before it dies of sullenness, lack of exercise, and indigestion.

The Orang-Utan is intellectually superior to the gorilla, and is equalled only by the chimpanzee. Unfortunately, as a rule, none of the great apes are long-lived in captivity, and in zoological gardens they come and go. For this reason, it is seldom that an adult specimen, 4 feet in height, and weighing 150 pounds, is seen in captivity. Among other apes, the Orang-Utan is readily recognized by its _brown skin, red hair and small ears_.

In disposition this creature is naturally docile and affectionate. It is fond of the society of human beings, takes to training with wonderful readiness and success, and young specimens can easily be taught to wear clothes, sit at table, and eat with spoon and fork. In the summer of 1911, the daily open-air exhibition of _nine_ apes dining at 4 o’clock on an elevated platform in the large outside cage at the Primate House, will long be remembered by the crowds of visitors who saw it. Such exhibitions are entirely germane to the educational purposes of a zoological garden or park, for they illustrate the mentality of animals and their wonderful likeness to man, far more forcibly than the best printed statements.

The north hall of the Primate House is specially intended for the anthropoid apes, and it is not likely that any lengthy periods will elapse during which it contains neither orang-utans nor chimpanzees.

The Chimpanzee, (_Anthropopithecus calvus_), of equatorial Africa from the west coast to the central lake region, is quite as common in captivity as the orang-utan. Both structurally and mentally this animal is very much like the orang-utan, and for keenness of intellect and susceptibility to training, it is second to none of the animals lower than man. A Chimpanzee is easily recognized by its _black hair and large ears_. There are two or three species.

The Gibbon shows off to poor advantage in a cage, but in the tree-tops it is a wonderful creature. It is like a long-armed skeleton clothed with skin and hair, animated by the spirit of an Ariel. In its home in the jungles of Borneo and southeastern Asia, it dwells in hilly forests, and never descends to the earth. When attacked, it flees down-hill, if possible, and it seems actually to fly through the tree-tops. It boldly flings itself forward through space, grasps with its hands the first available branch, swings underneath, feet foremost, and after another flight presently catches with its feet, thus actually making revolutions as it goes. Its progress is so swift and so silent that successful pursuit is impossible to any enemy not provided with wings.

This animal is naturally very timid, but does not hesitate to expose itself to mortal danger when its young are in distress. In captivity gibbons are shy and nervous, and take life very seriously.

Old-World Monkeys.

The Baboons have been specially designed by Nature for life upon the ground, surrounded by dangerous enemies. But for their big canine teeth, their fierce tempers and bull-dog courage, backed by a fine combination of strength and agility, the lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals of Africa would have exterminated them all, ages ago. They were not formed to become hand-organ beasts of burden, nor even companions to man, but rather to fight off their enemies, and bluff even the king of beasts when occasion requires. In captivity, their strength and ferocity always inspires respect, and sometimes genuine terror. At all times they require to be treated as dangerous animals.

Of the various species of baboons on exhibition in the Primate House, the full-grown Mandrill is the most interesting, and wonderful. It seems like an animal not of this earth, and reminds the visitor of one of the great beasts of the visions of St. John the Divine. The home of this species is in West Africa, and it is found from Senegambia to the Congo. The long shaggy hair, lion-like appearance, the peculiar color markings of the face, and the indescribable grimaces, instantly fix the attention of every visitor.

The Hamadryas Baboon, with long side whiskers and cape of long hair, is one of the handsomest animals of this group. Its explosive, ear-racking cry is almost as startling to visitors as a cannon-shot.

The Golden Baboon has the liveliest disposition and the best temper possessed by any baboon. Young specimens are full of good-natured mischief, and are much given to hectoring their cage-mates. The Long-Armed Yellow Baboon is quite at home in the Primate House, and has bred here. It is a good species to keep in captivity.

The Group of Old World Monkeys, in addition to the baboons, contains several species worthy of special remark. There are some which have tails so very short and insignificant that they seem to be tailless, and several of them are called “apes.” _They are not true anthropoids_ (manlike apes), however, and it is a confusing error to designate any of them as “apes.” The species referred to are the following:

The Black “Ape,” of Celebes, exceedingly like a true baboon.

The Magot, or Barbary “Ape,” of North Africa and Gibraltar, which is a
true macaque.

The Japanese Red-Faced Monkey, another macaque, with a brilliant red
face, and long, thick coat of hair, which enables it to live out of
doors all winter, even in this Zoological Park.

The Pig-Tailed Monkey, several species of which are found in Burma and
other portions of southeastern Asia.

All the above are on exhibition in the Primate House, and the outdoor cages.

The Rhesus Monkey, of India, is one of the sacred species, and ages of immunity from molestation, or even wholesome discipline, have made this animal aggressive and domineering in temper.

The Bonneted Macaque is the best-tempered monkey of all the monkey species found in the East Indies, and it is by far the best to keep as a pet.

The Entellus Monkey, of India, is also a sacred species, and its natural seriousness of manner, and dignified bearing, quite befit the direct descendants of the original Hunuman, or monkey deity of the Hindoos, who helped to build Adam’s Bridge.

Of the many African monkeys, some of the most showy (such as the Guerzas and Colobos) are so difficult to procure they can not be set forth as permanent residents in the Primate House. The following species, however, may be classed with the reliables:

The White-Collared Mangabey and Sooty Mangabey are both so lively, so good-natured, and so free from the fighting habit, they are prime favorites with everybody.

The Mona Monkey is handsome and easily kept, and an excellent representative of the great African genus _Cercopithecus_.

The Green Monkey and the Vervet are lively but quarrelsome, and at times become dangerous. The Patas, or Red Monkey, is very sedate, and makes a good cage-mate for the mona.

The New World Monkeys, even at their best, never make a strong showing in a vivarium. The trouble is that many of the most interesting species are so delicate it is impossible to keep them alive in captivity. Fame awaits the man who can discover a bill of fare on which Howling Monkeys, Sakis and Yarkees can live in captivity to old age, and repay their cost and care. Their digestive organs are delicate, and are subject to derangement from causes so slight they can not be reckoned with.

The Sapajous are the hardiest, the most intelligent and in some respects the most interesting of the New World monkeys. They all possess the prehensile (or grasping) tail, _which is not found on any Old World monkey_, and the use made of it is a constant source of wonder. Monkeys of this species are quite common in captivity, and their wrinkled brows and serious countenances give them an appearance of being burdened with cares,—which most captive monkeys certainly are! These are the unfortunate creatures which so often come to grief on hand-organs.