Herbie the bullock

Press, 12 September 1981, Page 14

Herbie the bullock

Sir,—After reading Margaret Wilson's letter (September 10), I visited Herbie the bullock to see for myself. He stood in a green paddock, visible from a‘ private road, munching hay. He lives in an extensive wildlife' park, privately .owned, containing animals from many parts of the world, rich free bird-life using the ponds. Herbie’s keeper, a trained animal technician, told me that his food will cost over $lOOO a-year. His occasional visits to shopping malls help to reduce this expense, but do not meet it in full. Requested daily visits have been refused as too stressful. His owner’s permission (Mrs McDonald who organised the rescue) is sought for each of these trips. The man who feeds him and whom he knows accompanies him. The animal walks voluntarily into the “traveller” shown in your photograph (September 9) and placidly meets children and other admirer?. He is obviously well cared for and happy.—Yours, etc., MARGARET MAYER. September 11, 1981.

Sir,—l must agree with Margaret Wilson's sentiments. Bullocks, sheep, goats, pigs and now rabbits are usually destined either to clothe or feed someone and will show no gratitude if saved from the knife. That money raised could have been better spent by donating it to the I.Y.D.P. trust or any other charitable organisation benefiting the health and Welfare of our fellow man.—Yours, etc., MICHELLE HARRIS. Waipara. September 10, 1981.