In a city where politics has been called a blood sport, and where relentless roasting of candidates is typical fare, it is perhaps fitting that the animal kingdom is now getting in on the game in Boston.In honour of Presidents’ Day, officials at the Franklin Park Zoo are holding an election on Monday for president of the zoo. But elections need voters, and zoos need visitors; zoo officials acknowledge that they are trying to get people through the gates. They also hope they can give a little off-beat education about such things as presidential pets: Theodore Roosevelt had a lion, and Calvin Coolidge owned a pygmy hippo.Officials do not expect a fever of presidential politics to overcome zoo employees. Curators and keepers have been taking it all very seriously, papering exhibits with campaign literature, creating slogans (The giraffe will take the long view), and developing political platforms (Spot is a snake of the common animal.) Some have even launched nasty attacks (The cow should be milked!). There is some glory at stake: The victor will receive a special sign on his or her pen, extra treats all the year, and, bragging rights. Any visitor can vote. There is no vice-presidential candidates. —NYT
