Recursive closures in JavaScript

No, at most two instances of function’s local data will be held in memory at any given point in time. Here is the order of events:

1. animate(0) is called.
2. A closure with param == 0 is created, it now prevents this variable from being released.
3. Timeout fires, animate(1) is called.
4. New closure with param == 1 is created, it now prevent this variable from being released.
5. The first closure finishes executing, at this point it is no longer referenced and can be released. The local variables from the first animate() call can also be released now.
6. Repeat starting with step 3, now with animate(2).