WANTED TO SWAP

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31159, 8 September 1966, Page 1

WANTED TO SWAP

f.V Z. Press Association >

WELLINGTON. Sept. 7.

In a three-corner “barter” with Sydney and Melbourne. Wellington Zoo hopes to add 10 parrots. two wombats, two coyotes, and one eland antelope to its menagerie for the Christmas season. Wellington Zoo’s manager, Mr K. Kuiper, said tonight the exchange was “part of a scheme for obtaining and sending animals that are surplus. “We are now very rich /< in chimpanzees so we will

send off four to Melbourne Zoo and keep nine.” “In return.” Mr Kuiper said, “Melbourne is letting us have the parrots, wombats, and coyotes.” The Wellington Zoo is also negotiating with Sydney Zoo for a female eland antelope, two pair of Barbary sheep, and some pelicans. “Sydney has already offered ns a young giraffe.” Mr Kuiper said, “but we have not yet got suitable accommodation for it.”

In return, Sydney has

asked Wellington for a pair of white swans. . “But we can’t oblige at the moment.” Mr Kuiper said. “It’s very hard to trap them.” Mr Kuiper said more than 90 per cent of Wellington's zoological collection has been purchased through the barter system.

“One day we take something from them, then when we have a surplus they can make a claim.”

Mr Kuiper admitted it was only possible “to barter if you breed.”