[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2402-E2403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE FORT WORTH ZOO ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th 
anniversary of the Fort Worth Zoo, the oldest zoo in Texas.

[[Page E2403]]

  This nationally renowned zoological park opened in Trinity Park in 
1909 with just two bears, a lion, a coyote, an alligator, a peacock, 
and a few rabbits. Today, it is home to over 5,000 exotic and native 
animals.
  The Zoo moved to its present home in Forest Park in 1912 after 
flooding from the Trinity River killed all of the animals. The first 
permanent structure was built to house Queen Tut, the Zoo's first Asian 
elephant.
  The Zoo's early years saw many changes. In 1924, amusement rides were 
added. This included the Zoo train, which is still in use today. 
Throughout the 1930s, many improvements were made to include additional 
exhibits. In the1940s, another elephant was added, as well as a hippo. 
The 1950s brought exciting changes. The Zoo not only formed the Fort 
Worth Zoological Association, but the aquarium opened with 100 tanks 
and 400 species. The herpetarium was added in 1960. The 1980s and 1990s 
included the opening of the Asian elephant breeding facility, the World 
of Primates, Asian Falls, and numerous exhibits featuring animals such 
as penguins, meerkats, koalas, and flamingos. The eight-acre Texas 
Wild! Complex opened in 2001 and showcases seven separate exhibits with 
animals that are all native to our great state.
  The future is bright with the planned Museum of Living Art, which 
will house amphibians and reptiles. It will also serve as an 
educational facility so that visitors can learn about wildlife 
conservation.
  All of these incredible additions have made the Fort Worth Zoo one of 
the most popular attractions locally, as well as a destination for 
people from across the United States.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the Fort Worth Zoo on its 
100th anniversary and to offer my sincere congratulations to an 
outstanding facility and its staff that have provided countless 
memories to children and adults over the years.

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