R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, is one of the state's 1-2 most unique and popular attractions, for it has now provided its 1-3 visitors with free access to many rare animals for more than half a 1-4 century; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Originally created by D. K. Caldwell as part of a 1-6 play school for local children with a caged squirrel, rabbit, and 1-7 monkey, the facility experienced a growing public interest through 1-8 the years; in 1953 Mr. Caldwell purchased 125 acres for the 1-9 creation of a zoo, and with the help of his wife, Lottie Ray, the 1-10 Caldwell Zoo opened its doors the following year; and 1-11 WHEREAS, The local citizenry embraced the zoo at its new 1-12 location, and when the facility was vandalized in 1971 children 1-13 from Tyler and neighboring communities donated ice-cream money and 1-14 other precious funds to help repair the damage that had been done; 1-15 the Caldwell's responded by purchasing an Asian elephant, Kimbo, as 1-16 a lasting tribute to the children's selfless generosity; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Caldwell Zoo has continued to grow and flourish and 1-18 now encompasses 50 developed areas, with shaded walkways and 1-19 relaxing rest areas for visitors to view the zoo's 1,500 denizens; 1-20 although each of the zoo's many exhibits is outstanding, the East 1-21 Africa exhibit was given special recognition in 1992 when it 1-22 received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American 1-23 Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums; and 1-24 WHEREAS, On the cutting edge of research relating to 2-1 artificial insemination of endangered species, Caldwell Zoo has 2-2 been actively involved in many Species Survival Plans for 2-3 endangered cats, and the first birth of a baby cheetah through that 2-4 process, which was the result of a cooperative effort with the 2-5 National Zoological Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, occurred 2-6 at Caldwell Zoo in 1991; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Encouraging the populace to understand and 2-8 appreciate the spectacular array of animal life that inhabits our 2-9 planet, and the sometimes fragile nature of the habitat that 2-10 supports them, represents a significant contribution to society, 2-11 and Caldwell Zoo's many achievements in this regard indeed merit 2-12 special legislative recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-13 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-14 Legislature hereby commend Lottie Ray Caldwell, the zoo's Executive 2-15 Director, Hayes Caldwell, and the many other dedicated men and 2-16 women whose efforts have enabled the Caldwell Zoo to become one of 2-17 the area's most remarkable attractions; and, be it further 2-18 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-19 prepared for prominent display at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler as an 2-20 expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Kamel _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 519 was adopted by the House on April 18, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House