Wednesday, July 09, 2008

St. Louis Zoo (Floyd Smith)


Scan10398, originally uploaded by bucklesw1.

I'll pass the microphone to Jim Alexander on this one.

Posted by Buckles at 7/09/2008 06:27:00 AM

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Considering the size of the elephants, my guess is this is a photo from around 1945. The three larger elephants, Clarabelle, Vi, and Marian came to the Zoo in 1935-36. The elephant show debuted with the three in 1937. Director Vierheller planned on replacing the three with two babies, Honey and Lady, that came in 1942. Floyd wanted to add them to the act -- we see who prevailed.

The Zoo's animal shows were billed as animal training shows. Could be that Vierheller wanted to be an American Hagenbeck; selling trained animal acts. As a trainer, I'd like to enjoy the fruits of my labor and keep the animals.

The act in the photo last appeared in 1954. Lady had died and Floyd added some goats to the act. In the spring of 1955 the remaining four plus a ride elephant Jill were sold to Paul Kelly. Paul told me that they had TB and never left the barn in Peru.

For the zoo historians: At the Red Rocks area (hooved stock) check the yard close to Wells Dr. -- Grevy's zebra on last visit. The elephant show was presented here. In one large boulder there's a shoe box-sized hole used by the show announcer to watch the show.

09 July, 2008 09:24
Wade G. Burck said...

Jim,
Great information. In regards to Vieheller, I am sure you may see two side's to every piece of paper hung. In regards to the two industries having a history that is not quite as strong, the reasons for the association are diverse depending on whos press department you are asking.
Wade

09 July, 2008 11:00

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