Monday, September 13, 2010

Paul J. Rainey Memorial Gate, New York Zoological Park)--1934



Above, a study for the Paul J. Rainey Memorial Gate, by Sculpter Paul Manship using granite and bronze. The gate memorializes Paul J. Rainey a Big Game hunter and patron of the zoo, and was donated by his sister.


People who are lucky enough to live near an older historic zoo like the Bronx, with it's incredible wealth of architectural wonders, can spend day's looking at sculptured art animals. Often times as wonderous as the living brethern they replicate.

Paul J. Rainey Memorial Gate, New York Zoological Park)--1934


Bears, birds, antelopes, baboons and a lion, sitting atop a plant sculpture between the two gates.


Three turtles sit on plinths at ground level. The one in the middle, pictured here is supposed to bring good luck, and as such has been rubbed to a high gloss. The two on either side, normally hidden by foliage don't get as much attention.

Buffalo Zoo Elephant House 1912--Designed by the firm of Esenwein and Johnson


If you type Buffalo Zoo in the search bar it will take you to an earlier posting, showing a side view of the building, with the outdoor barred pen, and their first elephant Frank.