I just read the book Bushmaster: Raymond Ditmars and the Hunt for the World's Largest Viper (reviewed in the summer 2015 edition of Zoo Grapevine) and it was a fascinating journey through herpetological history and a recap of the life of a long-time worker at the Bronx Zoo.
Some tidbits of information:
The original cost to build the Reptile House was $50,000; it was poorly heated and innumerable animals died due to cold-related illnesses in the early decades; Ditmars was 23 when he assumed the duties as "assistant curator in charge of reptiles" and he earned $75 per month; and the current mezzanine/second level is double the size of the main public space and is packed with off-show breeding facilities. The building is 146 feet long, 100 feet wide and the interior has been greatly modified from its original appearance.
Here is the link to the book (via Amazon):
[ame="http://www.amazon.ca/Bushmaster-Raymond-Ditmars-Worlds-Largest/dp/1628725117/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1447989110&sr=1-1&keywords=bushmaster"]Bushmaster: Raymond Ditmars and the Hunt for the World's Largest Viper: Dan Eatherley: 9781628725117: Books - Amazon.ca[/ame]
