The zoo Staten Island Zoo

1 zoo

1.1 staten island zoological society
1.2 educational zoo
1.3 animals

the zoo
staten island zoological society

unlike other zoos in new york city, operated wildlife conservation society (wcs), staten island zoo operated staten island zoological society created in august 1933 under organization of harold o connel. local legend maintains society partially formed staten island reptile club located nearby on britton street , broadway. although no written documentation exists regarding merger explain newly formed staten island zoological society s affinity reptiles , why zoo (and still is) known extensive reptile collection. short of 1 year after organization on july 24, 1934, staten island zoological society officially incorporated. society included harold o connel, ellsworth buck, dr. james chapin, george allison, , howard worzel.

the educational zoo

the staten island zoological society created zoo founding principals educational zoo. society held monthly evening lectures @ zoo, provided lessons @ local schools, , provided zoo tours school children. zoo later expanded education program under zoo veterinarian, dr patricia o conner, include educational programs hospital children , educational courses @ zoo high school teachers , lectures educators , local animal , wildlife clubs. on seventy years later, staten island zoo still continues providing on site , in school lessons , special educational programs @ zoo. operational onsite veterinary clinic, zoo has extensive internship program college students studying become veterinary technicians , veterinarians. small lecture auditorium built in basement level of zoo building , classroom , private library located on second floor of zoo building along administrative offices of zoological society.

animals

focus of zoo reptiles, in particular including collection of snakes housed in zoo s serpentarium. although focus of zoo has broadened, zoo s collection of rattlesnakes still regarded among largest , complete in north america. current collection comprises on 1,500 animals of on 350 different species. among zoo s current exhibits african savannah @ twilight.

many of animals obtained through purchases , through procurements other zoological parks. during 1930s 1960s, animals acquired through annual expeditions zoological staff such collection trip in 1936 curator carl kauffeld rattlesnakes , later 1965 trip zookeeper bob zappalorti , through donations such pair of solenodons donated dominican republic s rafael trujillo. collection of marine fish donated staten island aquarium society in late 1950s

the zoo home of staten island chuck, groundhog official groundhog day forecaster new york city , grandpa, black-handed spider monkey made local newspapers when accurately predicted outcome of 6 out of 9 matches during u.s. open tennis championship.