I’ve learned through visits to the Nova Scotia Archives, written accounts, and conversations with locals, that Andrew Downs was renowned in the Western world. He traveled abroad on numerous occasions trading specimens with major natural history institutions, but there is little documentation to support this narrative. What happened to those specimens he procured near Halifax …
According to accounts of the day, a small gothic cottage met visitors as they entered the premises of the zoological gardens. The structure was approached by a gravel road that entered through an iron gate, and wound its way under old spruce trees before circling toward the homestead. The cottage was swaddled in woodbine and … Continue reading Part 1, Chapter 7: Walton Cottage
“Downs’ Zoological Gardens” was perhaps the most favored attraction in the young city of Halifax, welcoming everyone from local day trippers to distinguished guests. According to written accounts from the day, the site was a destination point for tourists, and many famous visitors frequented the zoo; however, the only names of such guests I have … Continue reading Part 1, Chapter 6: Visitors
This is the only known photograph of Downs’ Zoological Gardens. In the foreground is Downs himself as proprietor; he is perched on a decorative bridge spanning a brook that would have cut straight through the property on its way to the sea. There are several children posing in the background, and it is possible that … Continue reading Part 1, Chapter 5: The Only Photograph
Search results from the Nova Scotia Archives: I’ll continue to follow these leads… Continue reading Part 1, Chapter 4: Trails
I visited the monument to the zoo, and read about its unveiling. During the foggy morning, I peeked inside the woods from the periphery. I have made contact with the caretaker of these woods, who has looked after the former zoological gardens since the 1940’s. Perhaps she can offer further direction. … Continue reading Part 1, Chapter 3: Field Trip
After another visit to the archives, I located the former zoo grounds (property of A. Downs) on a 19th century map of Halifax. The gardens were situated in an area of town formerly known as Dutch Village, which bordered Armdale. During the time of the zoo, these communities were considered bucolic, although downtown Halifax was … Continue reading Part 1, Chapter 2: Situation
I was searching for “wildlife” in the Halifax section of the card catalog at the Nova Scotia Archives, when I found this entry in the “W — Z” drawer… After a quick card reading, I can ascertain the following: Halifax, Nova Scotia, was home to the first zoo in North America, since the Mayan Empire. … Continue reading Part 1, Chapter 1: I Never Knew
The Memorialist 