CAPTIVE NATIVE BIRDS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 25, 29 July 1932, Page 5

CAPTIVE NATIVE BIRDS

'' ,The formation at the Auckland Zoo «f a large tree-grown enclosure, to be inhabited by native birds, and, at the same, time to-beautify the area round the lagoon, is a scheme upon which the Auckland Zoological Society and the .Auckland City Council have entered into co-operation and upon which-pre-liminary clearing wprk is to commence immediately (states the "New Zealand Herald")- I* is proposed also to place a variety of New Zealand waterfowl on the lagoon. At present the area between the lagoon and the path running from the polar bear enclosure to the band rotunda is covered with nondescript vegetation, including wattles. It slopes down for 40 feet toward the lagoon like <a natural amphitheatre, at a grade of about one in seven. • The upper rim is bounded by a 6ft wall. It is proposed to increase the height of the wall to 15 feet so as to provide shelter from the wind, and to clear and plant the slope with - coprosmas, kowhai, and other'native honey and berry-bearing tree's," -'■ When the trees have grown suitably, perhaps in 18 months, tho wall will bo further heightened to 20 feet by superimposing a screen of netting, which will be extended over and round the whole' of the sloping area improved, making in effect a cage 120 feet long, 40 feet wide,' and 40 feet high. The Government, will then be. requested to permit the enclosure of a number of native; birds, !such .as. tho bellbird, pafcrbkW, .tiii, white head, pigeon, kiwi, fantail, arid grey warbler. It is proposed to clear the willows' 'frojn'the lagoon and.to remove the iwa^tles .now. ,growing beside the water and replace 'them with native trees, Birch as koWhai. The overseas birds, swani,.^; flamingoes, and Egyptian 'species of' duck, will still .inhabit the lagoon, but native fowl, including Bine Mountain duck, grey duck, black 'teal,' common teal, and paradise duck, will Be introduced- | 'The 'president of. the Auckland Zoological Society, Mr. F. E. McKenzie, Stated this'week that this , section of .the 'Zoo, when completed, should increase the knowledge and interest of "New Zealanders in the bird life of their [-country and be of great interest to Overseas visitors. It would also provide an . attractive grouping of New Zealand trees that would beautify the area, considerably.