[Baz]

Back in 2001, I visited the St Louis Zoo, where Perkins was director from '62-'70, and where he had his first job at 21.

From the very beginning of his job, Marlin made his love of snakes known to Zoo Director George Vierheller. Two weeks later Vierheller placed Marlin in charge of six reptiles -- the Zoo's entire collection. Marlin developed the collection and designed cages for a reptile exhibit which, contrary to the Zoo's Board of Directors' expectations, drew large crowds. A permanent exhibition was approved. Within two years of his employment at the Zoo, Marlin was named Curator of Reptiles. During the following 11 years, Marlin added to the collection to a total of 500 animals.