'HIPAM,' NATIONAL ZOO ELEPHANT, IS DEAD
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On June 27, 1925, The Evening Star reports that 'Hipam,' beloved elephant at the National Zoological Park* passed away yesterday at the age of eight.
The remains were buried in an unspecified location at the park yesterday. She was one of two Summatra** elephants housed at the zoo. An autopsy revealed the pachyderm died of "a severe case of tuberculosis." Dr. William M. Mann***, zoo superintendent said..."The loss...is the most serious we have had for some time."
*National Zoological Park, a.k.a. National Zoo, located at 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., (Rock Creek Park) is one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. NZP, founded in 1889, displays 2000 animals of 400 species. 1.8 million people visit NZP yearly.
**Sumatra elephant is the rarest of 3 critically endangered Asian species. They are the smallest elephant subspecies. (Note: "Summatra" is the spelling given in The Evening Star).
***William Montana Mann (1886-1960) was born in Helena, Montana & educated at Washington State University & Harvard University. WMM became an entomologist & served as director of the National Zoo 1925-1956.
SOURCES
"'Hipam', Beloved Zoo Elephant Dies After Long Fight With Disease," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., June 27, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"The Sumatra Elephant," www.bukitlawang.com/
.jpg)
