Short article from the Evening Citizen describing the arrival of a rare monkey named the white-nosed saki at the Berlin Zoological Garden. The article describes the physical appearance and attributes of the monkey, while noting that the animal is probably the first living example to reach Germany. An article such as this, which details the happenings of a zoo in as far-removed a country from Scotland as Germany, highlights the level of interest and curiosity which animals held for the people of Glasgow at this time, helping to explain the fervour with which said citizens pursued the goal of their own zoological garden.
Pickard's Papers project. Britannia Panopticon Music Hall Trust / University of Glasgow / Heritage Lottery Fund
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A Glasgow Zoo. Promising Movement Begun.
Short article from the Glasgow News alerting readers to the fact that a committee tasked with the planning of a zoological garden in the city is in the process of being formed, with the support of several influential gentleman and strong financial backing. The tone of the article is extremely optimistic, describing the projects realisation as practically assured.
Collection of five photographs depicting the auction of the animals comprising The Scottish Zoo. The text below the photographs details the gentleman in the third photo from the top as Mr Wallace, the auctioneer, who is seen to be in the process of selling camels and dromedaries to a busy crowd of bidders. According to the text, the animals in the other photographs, including a tiger and an elephant, were sold for the highest prices owing to their status as principal animals within the collection.
A drawing of several distinguished-looking men and women who, according to the drawings caption, represent the types at yesterdays sale (of the Scottish Zoo animals). Printed below the drawing is a charming poem written from the perspective of the zoos many animals. In the poem they express their regret that they will not see each other again after the auction, however, the rhyme culminates with a message of hope from the wallaby Kangaroo who tells the other animals, we shall meet again, I know, In some bright celestial Zoo!.
Photograph of a zookeeper holding a small alligator. The text which accompanies the photograph asserts that the alligator is one of nine which the zookeeper has been able to train over a period of three months.
Under the Hammer - The Last of Glasgows Zoo.
Article from the The Evening Times describing the events which took place at the auction of the animals comprising the Scottish Zoo. According to the author, the excitable atmosphere of the occasion seemed to register with the animals as well as the buyers; the collections snakes, for example exhibited a greater degree of animation than the visitor of the zoo was apt to witness in this section on ordinary occasions. A list of the animal dealers and circus proprietors present at the auction is given, as are many of the prices for which various animals were eventually sold.
Short article alerting readers as to the last day they will be able to visit The Scottish Zoo before it closes. The article describes how, much to the dismay of Glasgows citizens, the Town Council ultimately refused to purchase the animals for a proposed zoological garden. The article culminates with details of some special last-day attractions offered at the zoo, such as free cinematograph entertainment in the afternoon and evening in the Hippodrome.
Photograph of a young girl in a garden sitting next to two lion cubs. The photograph is accompanied by some text which states that the cubs pictured are part of The Scottish Zoos collection of animals being auctioned on the 27th April, 1909.
Lengthy article written by representative of the University of Glasgows Natural History Department decrying the Town Councils apparently hasty decision to dismiss plans concerning a zoological garden for Glasgow. The writer systematically addresses the concerns of the councillors in opposition to the proposal (Councillor Martin and Councillor Gibson especially), explaining why a zoological garden would be of tremendous benefit to the city as well as a financially feasible endeavour.
Article taken from the Edinburgh Magazine concerning Glasgows opportunity to purchase the animals being sold by Mr. E. H. Bostock from his Scottish Zoo and form a zoological garden to showcase them. The article is very complimentary of Bostock, praising his generosity and his lineage; citing him as one in a distinguished line of entertainment caterers. Conversely, the article attacks the apparently substandard class of councillor at present in the city chambers and the reluctance of the Town Council to enrich Glasgows educational potential; the decision to reject the zoological garden being considered by the Parks Committee being offered as an illustrative example. The writer urges that this decision be reconsidered, stating that great is the shame attaching to our city council if the opportunity be passed over.
Ticket for The Scottish Zoo designed to give the Children of Glasgow a chance to see the attraction before it FINALLY closes. By encouraging specifically the children of the city to see the zoo before its closure, the ticket reinforces the idea that the attraction was seen as a place of great social and educational benefit to Glasgows younger citizens.
Short rhyming poem in two stanzas entitled My Teddy Bear, which seems to be written from a childs perspective about their pet bear. The poem describes how the bear, once wild and free, is now a beloved pet. Though there is no date of the poems publication, due to its inclusion with articles and letters deliberating on a zoo for Glasgow, it would follow that the poem might be designed to highlight the strong affinity children have with animals and what a tragedy it would be if the rejection of a zoological garden in Glasgow deprived of them of such opportunities to enjoy the presence of animals.
Article from the Evening Times supporting the decision of the Glasgow Town Council to reject the motion that the possibility of a zoological garden be considered and reported upon by the Parks Committee. Although the author states that there would have been no particular harm in passing the motion, he/she questions the appropriateness of such an expensive hobby during a time of implied economic hardship in Glasgow. They also point out that Glasgows climate would not be hospitable for animals in the way that the climates of continental cities which house zoos are. The writer then concludes that theoretically a municipal zoo is an excellent idea, but [owing to the factors outlined] the time is not yet.
Article from the Evening Citizen providing a detailed account of the rejection of a motion, proposed at a meeting of the Glasgow Town Council, to have plans concerning a new Zoological Department to be remitted to the Parks Committee of the Corporation. The tone of the article seems broadly sympathetic to the cause of Councillor Galbraith, the person who proposed the motion, making clear that in no way was he asking the council commit themselves in any way, but merely to consider remitting the matter to the Parks committee for their consideration. The article describes how, after contentious deliberation over whether or not a fee for entry to the proposed attraction would be imposed, the motion was ultimately rejected by 29 votes to 9.
Voice of the People. Both Sides of the Question.
A letter to the Editor of the Glasgow News protesting the plan to sell off the animals comprising The Scottish Zoo. The author suggests that some of the most well-loved animals be relocated to an area named the Rouken Glen which would be converted into a Zoological Garden where visitors could continue to enjoy the attractions offered by the zoo.
Newspaper cutting/Letter to newspaper Editor
Short article detailing Councillor Bostocks decision to close The Scottish Zoo and Hippodrome on New City Road, Glasgow, in order to make way for a brand new skating rink. According to the author the sport was apparently all the rage at the time and, as such, he/she predicts that the new facility will be readily welcomed by skating enthusiasts living in Glasgows West End.
Collection of photographs depicting the morning routine of Consul the wonderfully trained monkey, an attraction of Bostocks Jungle at the Earls Court Exhibition. The text at the bottom of the collection indicates what each photograph represents, for example, the first photograph shows Consul deciding to get out of bed while the fifth shows him lighting the first cigarette of the day.
Article from the Daily Record and Mail detailing the acquisition of a new female chimpanzee for The Scottish Zoo. The article describes how the chimpanzee is intended to fill the shoes of the late Wee Macgreegor, a beloved creature who the writer laments as perhaps one of the most interesting of all the exhibits in the collection. The article culminates with its writer celebrating the the new monkeys apparent intelligence, referring to it as unquestionably one of the best illustrations of the Darwinian theory ever exhibited in this country.
Drawing of 8 sailors presenting the rare oar-fish they caught, referring to the real-life capture of the fish which was caught near Dunbar. According to the pictures caption the fish measured 13 feet 10 inches in length. Judging from the drawing, the fish derives its name from its uncanny resemblance to a long rowing oar.
Short article detailing the peculiar case of an elephant who consumed vast quantities of stones, precisely 168 stones, weighing altogether 7lb. 13oz. The case was presented to the Zoological Society by Dr. A. Smith Woodward and the stones were found to be mostly quartzite. The article ends by stating that, while cases of this type are common with crocodiles, this seems to be the first recorded case of their occurrence in an elephant.
A letter addressed to the editor of the Glasgow News describing how a pet parrot, who has been in the readers family for 30 years, marked the occasion of its birthday by laying a nice white egg. The sender of the letter believes that this may be some sort of world record (presumably for the oldest parrot to lay an egg) and ends the letter by soliciting the help of the newspapers readers to establish whether it is or not.
Short article from the Evening Citizen describing the voyage of the biggest consignment of live alligators ever shipped across the Atlantic. According to a wireless message received from the ship the animals were travelling on (the Minnetonka), all the alligators were faring well and none [were] sea sick. The article states that that the cargo was comprised of 300 alligators, some up to 18 feet in length.
Cartoon of two baboons reading newspapers and an accompanying caption. The piece is entitled The Rights of the Worker and is presumably a satirical comment on the rights of the working classes to a fair share of the profits they help turn over for companies. The text at the very bottom of the cartoon comments on the supposedly overheard dialogue between the two newspaper-reading baboons, stating that the discovery of potentially lucrative work for baboons has caused considerable excitement in Simian circles.
Short article detailing a potentially fatal incident which occurred in the Bronx Zoo, whereupon a zoo keeper accidentally fell into the muscular grip of a boa constrictor snake. The article describes how 15 men were required to remove the man from the clutches of the snake and that ultimately the man emerged from the incident alive but in a terribly exhausted condition.
Short article describing the brief life of Dick the Gorilla who, after being removed from Africa and brought to the Regents Park zoo in London by the African explorer Dr. Ansorge, found the new climate uninhabitable and died from influenza. The article states that Dick was the sixth gorilla to have died after being brought to Regents Park.
Ticket admitting the owner entry to the auction of the animals comprising The Scottish Zoo. The ticket states that a refund of the ticket price (2/6) will be given to those who purchase animals, perhaps an incentive designed to encourage bidding.
Last page of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. As with the other pages of the catalogue there is a significant amount of scrawled handwriting which seems to pertain to the certain animals the writer wishes to purchase. Particularly telling of the writers intent is the mathematical sum at the bottom-right of the first page which appears to total the amount of money needed for all purchases. Also present in this item are two photographs of caged animals (possibly lions); presumably pictures of the animals available for sale.
Continuation of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. Particularly notable is the mention of the Australian Gin Gin Bird, who, according to the catalogues author is one of the finest whistlers ever heard. This statement is substantiated by the claim that the Gin Gin Bird whistles perfectly, “Yankee Doodle,” “Ill Be Your Sweetheart,” and many others”.
Continuation of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. Particularly notable is the mention of a female Chimpanzee who carries the following lofty description: One of the best animals ever seen in this country. Very hardy and a source of endless amusement to visitors.
Continuation of the list of animals available for purchase at The Scottish Zoo auction. The diverse variety of animals on sale and the descriptions which accompany them are indicative of not only the ambitious nature of the zoo when it was in operation but also the practices it engaged in for entertainment purposes, some of which are problematic from a contemporary viewpoint. The Boomer Kangaroo on sale, for example, is described as having been trained to box, suggesting that the zoo did not conform to particularly high animal welfare standards.
The first page of the catalogue describes the conditions of sale for bidders purchasing animals in The Scottish Zoo auction. The conditions of sale are specific and require bidders to (among other things) agree to uplift the animals they buy by 5pm on the Thursday immediately after the sale. The second page of the catalogue provides a list of the animals being sold, including a wallaby kangaroo from Australia and a female Sambur deer from India. The latter is described as a very fine specimen, indicating the prestige the animal enjoys within The Scottish Zoo collection.
Catalogue of the Important Sale By Auction of All the Live Stock Forming The Scottish Zoo.
Two cover pages of auction catalogues (one blue, one orange) detailing the animals being sold at auction from The Scottish Zoo on New City Road, Glasgow. The catalogue cover states that the collection animals will be displayed during the auction, but also that they will continue performing up to day of sale.
Cartoon showing two baboons in a cage, reading the newspaper and talking about demanding better work conditions.
Pickard's Papers project. Britannia Panopticon Music Hall Trust / University of Glasgow / Heritage Lottery
Newspaper articles from the Evening Citizen and Glasgow News about a municipal zoo for Glasgow, a rare monkey in Berlin zoo, and a fire at Southport zoo.
Photograph of a Mongolian wild horse from the Peoples Journal. Photograph of crowds at the Scottish Zoo sale also from the Peoples Journal, plus articles about a municipal zoo for Glasgow.
Photographs of The Scottish Zoo sale and newspaper article from the Evening Citizen about the disband of the zoo.
Newspaper articles from the Evening Times, Daily Record and Mail, Evening Citizen about the sale of The Scottish Zoo, plus drawings of the buyers who attended the auction.
Newspaper articles from the Peoples Journal and Daily Record and Mail about The Scottish Zoo sale and a municipal zoo for Glasgow, plus a photograph of a zookeeper and baby alligator.
Newspaper articles from the Evening Times and Evening Citizen about the sale of The Scottish Zoo.
Newspaper cuttings of advertisements for The Scottish Zoo sale.
Newspaper articles about The Scottish Zoo sale and a municipal zoo for Glasgow.
Newspaper article about proprietor of The Scottish Zoo, Mr E H Bostock and the sale of his zoo animals, plus a ticket to the auction.
Newspaper articles about a municipal zoo for Glasgow, the porcupine, plus a ticket to The Scottish Zoo.
Newspaper articles and letter from the Glasgow News about a municipal zoo for Glasgow plus a poem entitled 'My Teddy Bear'.
Newspaper articles and letter from the Morning Herald about a municipal zoo for Glasgow.
Newspaper articles and letter from the Evening Citizen about a municipal zoo for Glasgow.
Newspaper articles and letters from the Glasgow News and Evening Citizen about the disband and fate of The Scottish Zoo.
Newspaper articles from the Evening Times, Daily Record and Mail, and Evening Citizen about The Scottish Zoo, and Monkeys.
Continuation of previous page article plus photographs of chimps from The Sketch.
Newspaper articles from Glasgow News, Daily Record and Mail and Evening Citizen about The Scottish Zoo.
Articles from the Glasgow News about rare and mysterious animals plus a photograph of fisherman with a 13ft 10in fish.
Newspaper articles from The World's Fair and The Evening Citizen about a stone eating elephant; new animals at the Glasgow Zoo; a competition to name a mysterious animal, and the arrival of sea lions and other animals in London.
Continuation of Daily Telegraph article from previous page. Newspaper articles from Glasgow News, Evening Citizen, Evening Times, and Daily Record and Mail about the discovery of a new species in the Congo; Pickard's 'Original Noah's Ark'; a 30 year old Parrot; a cure for insanity; the purchase of a big cat; the fining of a lion tamer; plus a photograph of clothed baboons.
Newspaper articles from The World's Fair, Evening Citizen, Daily Telegraph and Glasgow News about the arrival of animals from America on the liner Minnehaha; arrival of a cargo of alligators from Florida; a meeting of the London Zoological Society presided by the Duke of Bedford; the escape and recapture of a baby elephant in the Crystal Palace; and a law case regarding the ownership of some baboons.
Continuation of Glasgow News article from previous page. Article about the London Zoological Gardens annual report plus a cartoon of baboons reading newspapers from the Evening Times.
Newspaper articles from the Evening Citizen, Daily Record and Mail, The World's Fair, Daily Telegraph, and Glasgow News about protozoa (continued from previous page); an incident with a boa constrictor at the Bronx zoo; the arrival of animals to Britain from America; the capture of a golden eagle in Rosshire; and a law case regarding the ownership of some baboons.
Newspaper articles from The World's Fair and the Daily Record and Mail about zoo animals for sale, the death of a gorilla from influenza, and protozoa.
Admission ticket to The Scottish Zoo sale.