RARE AND BEAUTIFUL BIRDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 311, 31 December 1923, Page 6

RARE AND BEAUTIFUL BIRDS.

COL-LECTION ON WAIMANA. BEARS, MONKEYS AND LLAMAS. Dozens of rare and beautiful birds that are appearing in New Zealand for the first time arrived by the Waimana from London, and aroused exceptional interest on the waterfront when tli2 vessel berthed at the Queen's wharf on Saturday afternoon. A collection that would do credit to any aviary in New Zealand was presented to view on the after deck, tor exquisite plumage and sweet notes some ot the best specimens were brilliant and of rare value.

fciome of the strangers were blue budgerigars, bred by English and French aviuulturists, several specimens of cardinals, rare pheasants, long-tailed glossy starlings, and boatbills from vVest Africa. There were also varied species of finches, green und bluebreasted paroquets, peacocks, peafowls an dothers.

Among the birds that are n> w to New Zealand are eight ruddy flamingoes from Mexico., '/hese are rare birds, having very rich plumage when hi full maturity. Eight scarlet ibis from Brazil, which were kept in the same pen as the flamingoes during the voyage, presented an even more striking appearance with their deep scarlet plumage. Though much smaller than the flamingoes they were on the friendliest terms with them.

Besides this valuable collection of birds the Waimana also brought a number of animals for the Auckland Zoo, including two llamas, two polar bears from the Arctic regions, two black panthers from India, two monkeys from Africa, Bobby and Joe, and two geladcs. Tbe female gclades, known as Jenny, became a great favourite during the voyage, and was out upon the deck on many occasions. Mr. F. W. fc>. Mayer, a naturalist, of Sydney, was in charge of the animals since leaving London, and their condition on arrival reflects credit on him for the careful attention given to them. The birds he has brought out personally, and may offer to the Zoo authorities.

The aviary, which is in course of construction, will be completed within ten days. All the birds owned by the zoo authorities, including a valuable collection of Australian birds, that arrived some time ago, will be housed here.

Two baby polar bears, which have already reached the size of healthy sheep, were taken out to the Zoo to-day and liberated in the arena which has just been completed for them. Young as they are, just over nine months, these "babies" are even now ferocious enough to be dangerous. The arena at the Zoo is said to be ideal, and is one of the best in the world.

Among the other wild animals that arrived at the Zoo to-day were two panthers, whose permanent home should be completed about, the end of January. They are savage beasts and ravenous eaters. During the voyage from London to Auckland they required 15001b of horse flesh.

The llamas are the pets of the collection; and, being quiet creatures, will probably be favourites with the youngsters, especially as they have been trained for the saddle.

Several species of baboons have also been obtained. They include the Gelada baboon, better known as the "Bleeding Heart" baboon, because at certain seasons the hair over the heart disappears and leaves the skin vivid red.

Two baboons, known a*s the Hamadryas of North Africa and Arabia, which arrived from London by the Waimana, belong to a species that is sacred to the natives of Abyssinia, and of exceptional value. Great difficulty is experienced in obtaining them, as any interference is severely frowned upon by their human protectors, but Auckland has obtained a very typical pair in the new arrivals. They are almost perfectly ugly. These baboons are reaching their adult stage now. Their sacredness is a survival of many centuries.