The A to Z Challenge asks bloggers to post 26 posts, one for each letter of the English alphabet, in April. Most of us choose to make these posts on a particular theme. My theme for 2023 is 1943 Washington D.C., the setting of the novel that I’m writing. Visit daily in April for a new post on my topic.

Z is for Zoo Keeper

William H. Blackburne, Head Keeper at the Washington Zoo or National Zoological Park, retired on December 31, 1943. He was 87 years old and had been in charge of the animals at the zoo in Rock Creek Park for 52 years and 11 months, since the inception of the facility.

Blackburne began his career as a lion tamer with Barnum & Bailey Circus. He took the job at the zoo when he decided to marry and settle down. His first day on the job was February 1, 1891, three days after his wedding.

This photo caption at the Smithsonian Institution website, says that Blackburne’s start date was in 1892, but adds the information that he never took a day off during his entire 50+ year tenure, not for sickness or vacation.

Blackburne, zoo veteran, retires at 87. (1943, Dec 30). The Washington Post (1923-1954) Retrieved from https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/blackburne-zoo-veteran-retires-at-87/docview/151606357/se-2