At the direction of the committee the local architect was sent on a tour of several Zoological Gardens, in order to look at their buildings and obtain hints as to the nature of the accommodation required for the different animals and birds.
In June, 1864, Dr. Franz Schlegel was appointed the Director. The first general meeting of the shareholders took place on February 20, 1865. Twenty shareholders were chosen to act on the Board, only two of whom remain alive. In 1864 and 1865, besides a row of smaller buildings, the following were erected: a bear pit, a wolf house, a swine house, a deer enclosure, a pheasantry, a buffalo house, a camel house, an owl house, an eagle house, a small-cats’ house, a pay-office, a restaurant, and a music-hall. The monkey house was begun in 1865 and finished in 1866. When all these houses and enclosures had been completed and filled with animals, the opening of the Garden by officials and heads of different guilds took place on July 10, 1865. The illuminations in the grounds were spoilt by a bad storm. The Garden had bad times, but to-day its financial position is satisfactory, its buildings are in good condition, and its collection has increased enormously.
The elephants bathe, weather permitting, at 6 p.m. The lions are fed at 4 p.m. Pony riding and goat-carriages are only allowed in summer.
In 1901 the income derived from ordinary entrance-tickets was £3,915. This was lower than in 1900, owing to the universal depression in all trades and professions. Consul Ernst Bauer, who had been a Director for twenty years, died during that year. Concerts were given every Sunday and Wednesday in the winter months, and in the summer months every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, besides special concerts during the holidays. Penny morning concerts were also given.
The stock in the Garden at the end of 1901 was: 541 animals, 937 birds, 116 reptiles; total, 1,594 head.
MONKEY HOUSE, BRESLAU.
In 1900 the total head was 1,619. The following were born in the Garden in 1901: 346 animals of 35 species, including 3 lions, 2 leopards, 1 brown bear, 5 wolves, 2 kangaroos, 1 Shetland pony, 1 zebra, 1 llama, 1 camel, 2 nylgai antelopes, several deer, goats and sheep, some Angora cats, and a number of small rodents. Several of the above, however, died soon after birth.
Many silver pheasants, peacocks, storks, and other birds were hatched, and many animals were presented and bought. The loss of animals during 1901 was 5 per cent. of the total value of the stock, against 10 per cent. of the total stock in 1900. Of the more valuable animals there died during the course of the year: 1 lioness, from an old lung trouble; 1 pair of panthers, from tuberculosis of the lungs; 1 drill, from consumption; 1 old steinbock, from inflammation of the intestines; 3 beavers, from old age; 2 red-necked kangaroos, from consumption; 1 nylgai, from catarrh of the stomach; 1 white llama, from old age; 1 male ostrich, from peritonitis; 1 swan, from wounds received from the spurs of a goose.