During the summer of 1984, when the troubles at the city owned 
Atlanta Zoo were coming to a head, volunteers at the Atlanta
Zoological Society (a privately sponsored support group, dedicated
to improving the Zoo) were deluged by calls from members who had
received a copy of the letter that follows and were panicking at 
the prospect of what it suggested. The letter was personally addressed
to each and typed on NEW but official looking Atlanta Zoo stationary,
embossed in sepia tones with the pictures of various animals usually 
found in zoos, and hand signed by the supposed sender. It is, of 
course a complete hoax, and no-one is really sure who was responsible
for this rather elaborate prank:
 
                                                         THE
 
                                                        ATLANTA
 
                                                            ZOO
 
                                            June 29, 1984
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mr. Jim Brueggemann
2279 Plaster Road (_7)
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
 
Dear Mr. Brueggemann:
 
     As you are aware, Atlanta's zoo is going through a very 
stressful period.  The Board has considered several alternatives
and we feel we have a novel, short-term solution to the zoo's
current difficulties.
 
     Our solution, which involves you, will immediately relieve
the zoo staff of the problems of daily caring for the animals
and give the staff the opportunity to perform much needed repairs
in animal exhibits.
 
     You have been selected to care for one of the animals for the 
rest of the summer.  You were highly recommended to us because of:
 
 
          (1)  your concern for the reputation of the Atlanta Zoo
 
                                    or
 
          (2)  your known love of animals.
 
 
     Accordingly, Dixie, a 6,000-lb. hippopotamus from North Africa
will soon be delivered to your home.  You are totally responsible 
for her care; housing and feeding until September.  Please call
Dr. Emmett Asheley, who is on leave but still considered our zoo
veterinarian, with your questions regarding Dixie's special diet re-
quirements.
 
     You'll agree, I'm sure, that by distributing our animals among
caring metro-Atlanta citizens we are keeping our problems in "our
own back yard," while constructively working toward having one of 
the finest zoological facilities in the country. 
 
                                    Sincerely, 
 
                                    Rufus Simms 
                                    Director
                                    Animal Husbandry