DOINGS AT THE ZOO.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 182, 1 August 1923, Page 5

DOINGS AT THE ZOO.

ARENA FOR WHITE 3EARS. TWO BLACK BEAR CUBS BORIC. MOKE GARDEN SEATS WANTED. MAYOR OFFERS ESSAY PRIZES.

"The City Council is taking- full advantage of the present fine weather to push along the improvements at the Zoo," said the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. Gno. Baildon, this morning in discussing matters concerning our new zoological park at Western Springs. "The several works," he added, "are all progressing satisfactorily, and the pathways and other improvements works held back by the bad weather are now being steadily advanced. The tigers' arena is well under way, and it is the intention of the Council to lose no time in proceeding with the construction of the polar bears* arena, six bear cubs having already been purchased in England. It is hoped to have their new home completed for their reception by the time they reach Auckland, which is expected to be in about two months. The contractors for the elephant house and the tea kiosk are getting on well with their contracts, and the Parks Committee anticipates having the wfoole of this work finished by October"

An interesting event occurred at tne Zoo on Friday last, when one of the black bear ladies presented the city with two cubs. She is reported to be a very jealous mother, and refuses point-blank to receive any callers or congratulations, prowling in a most menacing manner and hiding her progeny tinder her shaggy gown if any but her own particular keeper attempts to approach. So as bears will sometimes even go to tin sxtreme of destroying their own cubi ivhcn angered by unwelcome attentions, Dame Ursa and her young family are for the time being left severely alone, though there' is every reason to believe they are all doing well. These bear cabs ire not the first born among the larger carnivore at the Auckland Zoo, ac several young lions have already made their appearance. At a meeting of the Parks Committee yesterday the Mayor, Mr. Gunson, intimated that he was going to present two prizes for' the best essays on the Zocy to be competed for among the scholar* in the fifth and sixth standards at the primary public schools. The first prize (rill be one of two guineas and the second )f one guinea, and the two winners will also be entitled to the privilege of having the first ride on Jamnna, when she' takes up her new duties at the Zoo. The headmaster of each school will select the six 'beet essays by his pupils and submit them to the Parks Committee, which will make the final adjudications. The Committee announces that it will be glad of donations of garden seats for the Zoological Park. Several have already been given by citizens, but there is room for many more at the grounds, and in view of the very greatly enhanced attractiveness of this resort for the coming summer, there is certain to be a big public patronage and consequent demand for seating accommodation.