THE BROKEN-HEARTED SEA-LION

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 84, 8 April 1936, Page 13

THE BROKEN-HEARTED SEA-LION

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Quite a news feature has been made of the recent doings of the Dunedin sea-lion during the past few weeks. Now we have the most pathetic reading of all. The poor creature has been captured for conveyance to the Wellington Zoo, and after the assurance of the Press that the unfortunate creature actually wept! This is enough to melt'hearts of stone; and, believe me after a fairly long life of work against thoughtlessness and stony-heartedness of mankind against God's defenceless dumb creatures, I know how stony-hearted we humans can be to the silent pleading of those who cannot speak.

In the name of the Humanitarian and Anti-Vivisection Society of New Zealand I make an urgent appeal to the Wellington Zoo authorities to send a wireless message to the captain of the Waitaki to liberate the sea-lion at sea, and say midway between Dunedin and Wellington. In the Press news we also read that Auckland Zoo has lost its sea-lion, and a broken heart is the suggestion for this.

Surely Wellington Zoo authorities are not anxious for a too obvious repetition of Auckland's loss. The very fact that the Dunedin sea-lion was in tears is evidence of what is to follow.

Again, had the human element of Otago not teased and worried the poor friendly creature then its temper would not have been aroused. The lesson is there—merely kindness and consideration for all dumb creatures. If unkindness is enacted, why blame them for defending themselves? I appeal to you, Mr. Editor, to be kind enough to place my appeal before the zoo authorities at once, and to publish this protest. Thanking you.—l am, etc., MRS. A. D. HOUSTON, Dominion President, Humanitarian and Anti-Vivisection Society of N.Z. (Inc.).