Americans Concerned Over Foma’s Fate

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1948, Page 2

Americans Concerned Over Foma’s Fate

AUCKLAND, Mon. (Sp.)—The oldest puma in the world, which has been at the Auckland Zoo since it was a cub, is likely to be “disposed of” shortly amid a torrent of protests from America.

Although it has been “away from America for 17 years, it apparently has many friends in its homeland, and they deplore the suggestion that it should be quietly killed when younger tenants for its cage arrive. What is more, they have written to Lieutenant-Colonel E. R. Sawer, curator of the zoo, to tell him so.

The puma, which has never been named, is. claimed to be the oldest of its kind in' captivity and would probably have been replaced some time ago if it- had not been for the difficulties "of obtaining exhibits from overseas. It has iong since been past its best.

Reports in American papers that the veteran was apparently living its last few months aroused the ire and dismay ol animal lovers there.

Letters couched in piteous terms arrived at the zoo, all pleading that the puma should be allowed to live out its allotted span.

They are unlikely to achieve their object, for a pair of young pumas from San Diego will leave for Auckland next month, and accommodation cannot be found for all three.