ATLANTIC WALRUS.
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: