Echo Mtn. Menagerie

Echo Mtn. Menagerie

Zoo. Yes, that would be a nice touch thought the Professor. Show the tourists some of the native fauna that lived in close proximity to the luxurious hotels on Echo Mountain. Thought then became reality as Professor Lowe proceeded to build a number of cages in the face of Echo Mountain facing the valley below.

The cage walls were white and the floors were cement with a bathing tank cemented into the floor of each compartment. They were built for the comfort and health of the animals they were to contain. Rows of bars extended the full height of the cage giving the observer a full view of the occupant inside. Bars were also on the back side of the cage to afford the animals better ventilation.

In the first cage were civet cats. A curious nocturnal animal with long tail, nose, and body. In a cage under the cats was a Cayman or alligator. Next to the cats is "Jocko" the monkey who hugs himself often and sometimes runs loose amongst the tourists creating mini disasters. The next cage housed "Little Dick" a pet squirrel and "Lenore" the speaking raven. Under this cage was the home of a finespecim broad backed badger. The very next cage was home for two great horned owls. Then there were a golden eagle, a bald headed eagle, a chicken hawk, and a vulture. Four adorable coons were in the next cage featuring "Zip", :Kitty", and their two children. Then there were four silver gray foxes and following them two savage lynxes. The last two cages held respectively two Santa Catalina goats and two fawns.

Last but surely not least was the home of "Ursa Minor" the bear. She had a cage and pit all to herself. Sometimes as many as fifty people would gather around the cage to watch the bears antics. The year old Musquard species bear had a huge tub of water which was change 2-3 times a day and often she would dump the tub just to get attention. The bears keeper at one point was Al Reader who often jumped into the cage and wrestled with the bear to the delight of the crowd. George Wharton James also took time out of his busy schedule at times to wrestle with "Ursa Minor."

The zoological gardens also had a large assortment of reptiles of which the rattlesnakes were the main attraction. Folks would poke and prod with sticks, canes, and arms until the fury of the snakes were aroused.

By Jake Brouwer

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Last modified: February 12, 1999