EVENTS AT ZOO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22851, 5 October 1937, Page 10

EVENTS AT ZOO

EMU CHICK'S DEATH BIRTH OF RHESUS MONKEY INTEREST IN NEW ARRIVAL THE LIZARDS WAKING UP Tragedy has come upon tho emu family at the Auckland Zoo with tho death of tho one chick successfully hatched out of a sitting of eight eggs by the patient male bird. For nine weeks the male emu continued his vigil, and his devotion was rewarded by the healthy appearance of the young bird when it was hatched. However, tho father was doomed to disappointment and after several days of inquisitive scratching for insects, tho young emu is no more.

Elsewhere at tho zoo, tho atmosphere of gloom has been completely dispelled by tho birth of a Rhesus monkey, which is tho centre of interest in tho pit community in tho centre of the park. The curator, LieutenantColonel E. 11. Sawyer, said yesterday that mother and baby were both well. While these interesting domestic events have been taking place, tho reptile community has taken little interest. Up to now many of the lizards have been hibernating, but with the first warmth of spring many of them have now begun to stir. The sleepy tuataras have wakened up, and tho leopard tortoises also have mado their appeai*ance in tho sunshine.

Improvements to the reptile section, which havo been under way for some time, are practically complete, and the section was opened for the first time oji Sunday. Snapping turtles and water tortoises, which hitherto have been hidden from the gaze of interested visitors in tho stream running through tho crane section, now can be seen without difficulty, and new quarters for the giant six-foot monitor lizard shortly will be ready. Malayan lizards are another interesting addition to the wide range of exhibits, and it is hoped shortly to supplement these with several of an Australian variety.