NEWCOMERS AT THE ZOO

Evening Star, Issue 21636, 3 February 1934, Page 5

NEWCOMERS AT THE ZOO

The Zoo’s collection of large cats has again been increased by the arrival of a pair of Asiatic leopards from Hyderabad, in India. They are young animals called Mick and Daisy, and they are expected to become great favourites, for they are perfectly tame, and are beautiful examples of their kind, with sleek coats much lighter in. colour than the African leopard’s. They were accompanied by a nylghaie antelope and a number of blackbuck. The arrival of these Indian antelopes means that Whipsna'de will be able to have another nylghaie and two more pairs of blackbuck, because although the regulations do not allow the new animals to leave llogent’s Park until they have spent several months in this country, the Zoo will now be in a position to spare some of its old-established residents. The Zoo has also been presented with two stoats, or ermines. Seen at large in the country stoats are objects of detestation, bloodthirsty little carnivores, relentlessly in pursuit of their victims. But shut up in a cage they are a pitiful sight, obviously distressed by their captivity. They are lithe, agile creatures, and as they are English stoats their soft fur is a delicate red-brown, even in winter, for only in cold countries where the ground is covered with snow for months does the ermine turn white. The four performing chimpanzes have found a new way of raising a laugh during their daily tea-parties. One day they showed off an acrobatic feat which was loudly aplauded by the onlookers; but when the trick was repeated the audience laughed, but forgot to clap; so Fifi clapped herself. This caused great amusement; and now, finding that the clapping scores such a success, the apes applaud whenever they think that they have done something clever. Whipsnade has received another pair of red kangaroos. These kangaroos no longer live in the Australian paddock, but have been provided with a field to themselves, because the emus objected to the presence of their leaping compatriots. The birds persecuted them unmercifully ; and though the kangaroos were swift enough to avoid kicks' it was decided that they would be better apart.