Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 112

MARCH 3 1, 193 DURANT PARK AS NEW ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS PACE 16 PART THREE OAKLAND TRIBUNE YEAR BOOK 0 ji-iJKSK AiS Bk Pictured on this page are views in beautiful Durant Park, which is to become the new Zoological Gardens and Arboretum of Metropolitan Oakland. "HaBKBaKaaauiUBlittaa 1 KliHBilHSflflKHv By EAHLE O. LINKLEY President, Alameda County Zoological Society With the close of 1936 and the coming of the New Year there was consummated a project which promises new educational advantages and new forms of pleasure and recreation for the people of the Eastbay. The tract of 480 acres of beautiful and varied topography known as Durant Park was acquired by a non-profit organization for the enjoyment of the citizens of "the Eastbay. After many years of discussion and diligent work and careful-planning in which Sidney Snow, African explorer and zoologist, was a prime mover, a non-profit corporation has come into existence known as the Alameda County Zoological Society.

The purpose was to acquire property for the development of natural history gardens. Durant Park property was the most available, nd because of its jjaried slopes and exposures and weL wooded gardens, the most desirable property within easy access of the center of the Eastbay population. The Bank of America, owners of the property, through the officers desired to see this splendid tract permanently saved for the people, instead of having it subdivided. The citizens giaking up the board of trustees, who without hope of other reward than the appreciation of the people, have signed the notes and accepted the financial responsibilities of paying 275.000 for this tract and' placing it in the hands of the people for their enjoyment are as follows: president, Earle G. Linsley, professor of astronomy in Mills College and director of Chabot Observatory; first vice-president, Edward A.

Martin, attorney at law, member Berkeley City Council; second vice-president, Dr. L. B. Barnard, Oakland; Nicretnry, Howard O. Welty, principal of Oakland Technical High School; treasurer, Owen C.

Carr, president of Morris Plan Bank, and George H. Hagy, Alameda, mortical, and secretary Rod and Gun Club and E. P. Mndigan, athletic director, St. Mary's College.

Arboretum Planned An arboretum of much interest already exists in the property, for the early residents of this estate gathered many unusual trees and shrubs which have now grown to splendid proportions. Here live insects will breed in and their life histories can bu studied. In the London garden Ujere was recently developed a shallow pool in which small islands contained exhibits of ants which attracted much orial library for natural history in which will be gathered much reference material 'i easily available to the public at the present time. A small attractive auditorium and lecture building is planned in which series of lectures will eventually be available to all members and visitors. Here the celebrated Snow African moving picture and Arctic exploration pictures will be shown.

The board of trustees of the zoological and botanical gardens has retained Sidney Snow, known to all our citizens for his devotion to the effort to establish an educational zoological garden in our City. He will be resident upon the property and constantly contribute of his experience and skill in caring for and developing interest in all animals acquired. It will be apparent that there is no competition between this new project and any of the projects within the county or city. attention. Observation bee hives and ant hives and outdoor butterfly cages are very popular educational features in the London gardens.

That plan is being adapted to our circumstances and will be followed. Dr. W. B. Herms, head of the division of entomology and parasitology at the University of California has agreed to lend his support to this educational feature.

Special children's section is included in the plans! where the smaller animals, which are often made pets, are exhibitec and where there is on duty at certain hours, usually after school and on Saturdays, a qualified instructor who takes the children in groups and guides them to an understanding of the exhibits. Opportunities for Memorials The board of trustees are making extensive plans for a tiumber of attractive and permanent buildings to be located in the park. These will include a mem.