The Washington Park Zoo ~ 1928-1946

Image of Hippopotamus

1938
< back | next >
It cost $87,000 to maintain and upkeep the Washington Park Zoo.  To offset the Zoo’s annual operating costs, it began selling pink lemonade and peanuts in the first attempt to generate public revenue for operation.  Also in 1938, a 25th anniversary party was held in honor of Yacob the hippopotamus.  His cake was decorated with 25 carrot candles.  Yacob was fed 100 pounds of bread and mixed vegetables a day!