LOSS TO AUCKLAND ZOO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20623, 23 July 1930, Page 10

LOSS TO AUCKLAND ZOO.

DEATH OF BOTH SEA-LIONS.

VICTIMS OF PNEUMONIA.

Both the sea-lions in the Auckland Zoo are now dead and the park is temporarily without any of these animals. The male sea-lion died on Sunday, July 13. and was followed by tlie female a week later, tlin cause, of death in each case being double pneumonia. The rapidity with which (he illness resulted in death is shown by the fact that each animal died two days after it became ill. It is considered that tho pneumonia was due to the sudden changes in tho Auckland climate. The curator of the zoo, Mi". L- !• Griffin, stated yesterday that the animah had been examined by the zoo's honorary' doctors after death and it had been found that double pneumonia was the cause in each case. The doctors stated thnt lit'lo could be done to prevent the illness, vhilo no measures could be taken to avoid trouble with other sea-lions which might be procured. The suddenness with which tho attack killed the animals prevented any adequate treatment being given in time.

Mr. Griffin pa id that sea-lions were regarded as very hardy animals 9 nl '° capablo of thriving in captivity, and frequently survived in circuses and other travelling shows. Many lived to a great ago in captivity, hut. it, \nus likely thnt. soino were able to accustom themsehes to changes in climate and conditions better than others. While they did n°t suffer from illness in southern latitudes because of the cold, clear atmosphere tho frequent, changes in temperature iu Auckland might prove harmful. Penguin* which bad been presented to the zoo liai died of pneumonia. 'I lie sea-lions, wln r * had boeii in the zoo for over 18 months., had never previously shown any signs o illness or caused any uneasiness. An effort would be made to iepla |3 them as quickly as possible, concluded ;< r -. Griffin, who said that, sea-lions wel ? verv common'in the Auckland Islands am the" Campbell Islands. It. would '•« necessary to wait until the (lovenimen steamer made anotjier trip to the southern islands before thev could be replaced an the next voyage would not be for sorn time, as the steamer did not make tna. trip in winter. There would be no coin replacing the animals as the l.ojer ment obtained them and presented, to thn zoo without charge. .. i