First U.S. ZooIn 1859, the first Zoological Society was incorporated in Philadelphia. PA, USA by its 36 members. The Civil War interrupted establishing the park. On 5 Jun 1873, a perpetual lease of thirty-three acres of land was made to the Society by the Park Commissioners of the city's West Park, and work commenced at once. Fences, cages, and houses were erected, and donations of birds, beasts, and reptiles began to arrive. The garden did not open to the public until 1 Jul 1874, by which time it had a bear pit and a lion house as featured attractions. By the end of the fiscal year 1875-76, there were added 919 animals, including 342 Quadrupeds, 485 Birds, 74 Reptiles and 31 Fish. Elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, and three Seal Ponds. «[Image: Male Indian rhinoceros, from an Arbuckle Coffee trade card, 1890. In 1875, this was the first zoo to exhibit one.] |
