THE AUCKLAND ZOO

Evening Star, Issue 18785, 8 November 1924, Page 12

THE AUCKLAND ZOO

COLLECTION TO BE AUGMENTED. The already large and varied collection at the Auckland Zoo is to be considerably augmented, and the new exhibits should all bo received and housed before the summer is well advanced (says the ‘ Herald ’). Some of these exhibits are being drawn from Australia. A consignment of twelve prairie dogp, purchased from the Melbourne Zoo, and a collection of Australian and Eastern birds, comprising parrels, rock pebblers, and Javanese jays, acquired in Sydney, arrived this week by the intercolonial steamer. Other purchases made from the Sydney Zoo, including a pair of birds of paradise, six pelicans, sixteen parrots of various species, one ocelot, and two Indian blackbuk, arc expected to come to hand shortly. The City Council has been advised that eight American alligators, two of them each 9ft in length, 'and six young ones, have been shipped from New Oilcans for the Auckland Zoo. Advice is now being awaited of the shipment from London of four polar bears, two giant anDoaters, two pumas, two cheetahs, two young tigers, and two orang-outangs; while two jaguars and two armadillos, which have been purchased in South America, should lie sent forward at an early date. Some weeks ago Mr Griffin, curator of (he Zoo, who is at present in South Africa, advised by cable that he had boon able to acquire at Pretoria a. valuable assortment of native animals and birds, and he has now forwarded a list of the exhibits contained in this collection. It comprises five zebras, four each of bine wiidebceste, sable antelope, blesbok, lechwe, and koodoo, a. pair each of eland, impalia antelope, dusker, and caracal, and a single specimen each of gemsbok, wnterlw):, rhebok, black wildcbeeste, hunting dog, and secretary bird. The council hopes to have a good showing of native wild fowl at the Zoo, where aii attractive sanctuary is being provided. The necessary permit for the taking of native birds has been received from Hie (Minister of Internal Affairs, and Mr J. Holmes, of Frank) oir Junction, has been entraeed to secure the birds. The permit provides for the. taking of six pairs of native grey duck, six pairs of pukeko. two pairs each of teal, spoonbill duck, divers, and bittern.