Trumpeter+Swan

Welcome to the National Zoo, Trumpeter Swan.



First Thoughts: I have been freed from the darkness of a wooden box that I was trapped in for the last four days. The journey was rough, consisting of loud train noises and animal calls of help coming from boxes that were stacked around mine. At last, I can see the light, yet in a way, I regret coming out of the box and accepting this new place as my home.They call it the zoo and the only predator is the human.

My New Home: There is a small pond and a couple of dispersed plants. Even though it may seem friendly and natural, industrial smog blankets this new habitat and I am left feeling trapped.One of the swans here tells me about life in this institution.

She warns me of the dangers of candy wrappers, hot dogs and ice cream and other human foods. She claims that, although these human foods may seem inticing, they pose a danger to our eating habits. Considering that there is not much human care of the animals here and that I am replaceable, I am planning to look out for myself, just as I would have at Yellowstone. Apparently, exotic or endangered species are highly valued in the zoo. I therefore, bring much attention to this part of the zoo. I am starting to think the other birds are getting jealous.







Apparently, the proliferation of zoos was greatly inspired by birds. In the World's Fair, in 1904, there was a revolutionary, walk-through, bird cage exhibit also called a flight cage. Because the exhibit was very popular, the city of St. Louis wished to buy it to attract tourists. The city purchased the cage for $3,500, rather than having it sent to Washington D.C. Later on, the bird cage led to the development of zoological gardens throughout St. Louis and the country. The zoos served as great entertainment to visitors and residents in cities. Zoos also inspired small cities and towns to create parks where animals could be presented. Many zoos shared the same mission.

Below is a list of goals from the St. Louis zoo in the early twentieth century:


 * For the recreation of the people.
 * To present the people with wild animals under favorable conditions.
 * To encourage research on wildlife.
 * To spark public interest in wild animals.
 * To secure protection of wild animals, by educational methods.



The proliferation of zoo can also be credited to the advancement in transportation. With the increase in efficiency and speed in trolley systems many are able to traveland visit the outskirts of towns where some zoos and city parks are located.



Update on actions in the zoo: I have only been at the zoo for a couple of days, but much has happened during my time spent here Just yesterday a wild goose was killed by one of the swans that lives here at the zoo. The wild geese of DC and the swans of the national park have been long time enemies. Finally, the swans have prevailed in killing the leader of the geese. This has brought much pride to our exhibit.



Furthermore, twenty swans have arrived at the zoo. They had a long journey on a steam ship. Along with the swans came six crates of monkeys, one crate of wild cats, six boxes of snakes, one box of whistling vipers from Djojakarta, three kangaroos, one lion and other exotic animals from the tropics.