The New York Zoo hoax
Encyclopedia
The New York Zoo hoax is also known as The Central Park Zoo Escape and the Central Park Menagerie Scare of 1874. It was a hoax perpetrated by the New York Herald
about a supposed breakout of animals from the Central Park Zoo
on November 9, 1874.
The article warned that dangerous animals were loose in the city, with casualties of 49 dead and 200 injured. Many readers panicked, even though the end of the story stated "the entire story given above is a pure fabrication." The authors later claimed their intent was merely to draw attention to inadequate safety precautions at the zoo, and claimed to be surprised at the extent of the reaction to their story.
New York Herald
The New York Herald was a large distribution newspaper based in New York City that existed between May 6, 1835, and 1924.-History:The first issue of the paper was published by James Gordon Bennett, Sr., on May 6, 1835. By 1845 it was the most popular and profitable daily newspaper in the UnitedStates...
about a supposed breakout of animals from the Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is a small zoo located in Central Park in New York City. It is part of an integrated system of four zoos and the New York Aquarium managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society , and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums .The zoo began in the 1860s as a...
on November 9, 1874.
The article warned that dangerous animals were loose in the city, with casualties of 49 dead and 200 injured. Many readers panicked, even though the end of the story stated "the entire story given above is a pure fabrication." The authors later claimed their intent was merely to draw attention to inadequate safety precautions at the zoo, and claimed to be surprised at the extent of the reaction to their story.