Ernie Bowman, first class keeper, was nicknamed `The Professor'. He was awarded ZSL’s Bronze medal in 1927 `for services rendered in the successful rearing of a young hippopotamus, 1926-27’. He was the eighth person to receive ZSL’s Bronze medal since 1866 and the third keeper to receive an award for rearing hippotami. He reared `Jimmy’ a male calf born on 20 August 1926.
ZSL’s Bronze medal was awarded to members of staff for long and meritorious service to ZSL or an outstanding achievement. The medals were designed by Thomas Landseer in the early 1830s and engraved in 1844. One side shows a group of birds and on the other a group of mammals.
For details of ZSL's Scientific Awards and Medals please go to ZSL Science and Conservation Awards
The photographs of Bowman are by F.W. Bond (1887-1942). Bond joined ZSL's Accounts Department in 1903. He served in the Army from 1917 to 1919 and after he was demobilised he was appointed Accountant. He later became the Society's Assistant Treasurer. He made a huge collection of photographs and these were presented to ZSL on his death.
A photograph of Ernie Bowman, was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of their exhibition Hoppé Portraits : Society, Studio and Street during 2011 http://www.npg.org.uk/hoppe .The portrait in the exhibition featured Bowman with a hippopotamus `Joan’ at ZSL London Zoo in 1934.
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A blog for lovers of ZSL London Zoo, bringing you extraordinary animal facts and exclusive access to the world's oldest scientific zoo.
Do you love wildlife? Discover more about our amazing animals at the UK's biggest zoo!
We're working around the world to conserve animals and their habitats, find out more about our latest achievements.
From the field to the lab, catch up with the scientists on the cutting edge of conservation biology at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology.
A day in Discovery and Learning at ZSL is never dull! The team tell us all about the exciting sessions for school children, as well as work further afield.
Ever wondered what a typical day as a zookeeper looks like, or what it's like to be a videographer at ZSL? Now you can find out!
Every month, one of the pieces held in ZSL’s Library and at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo will feature here as Artefact of the Month.
Read extracts from ZSL's award winning members' magazine, Wild About.
Get updates on our latest ranges, be the first to hear about special offers, and find the perfect gift for animal lovers!
The Chagos archipelago is a rare haven for marine biodiversity. Hear from the team about our projects to protect the environments in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
ZSL Institute of Zoology researchers are embarking on an exciting fieldwork expedition to Nelson’s Island in the Chagos Archipelago. Throughout the month, the team will share their research and experiences on an uninhabited tropical island!
ZSL works across Asia, from the famous national parks of Nepal to marine protected areas in the Philippines. Read the latest updates on our conservation.
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