EXHIBITS FOR ZOOS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 16115, 2 May 1923, Page 6

EXHIBITS FOR ZOOS.

AUSTRALIAN FAUNA.

UNSATISFIED DEMAND,

LONDON, April IP.—Mr. Seth Smith, curator of ■ mammals at the London Zoo, states that scientists cannot understand why Australians, who are daily slaughtering hundreds of animals that dnmago their crops, oppose the exportation of Australia's fauna alive to foreign zoos, whore valuable seientillo researches aro undertaken,

The mortality on shipboard is trilling, Mr. Smith says, and trained attendants always escort largo consignments. It would bo a mistako to prohibit export for private profit, as zoos rely on dealers for small'requirements. He suggests that exportation should bo confined to a few licensed dealers, and that there should bo an inspection of the shipping acoonunodation. Mr. Chapman, the largest animal dealer in Europe, says that ho has instructed .12 agents in all parts of the world to collect animals, mostly for English and Continental zoos. They exercise tlie utmost care in transporting them. He would lose heavily if the fauna did not. reach its destination in good condition. The mortality from Australia, he says, is less than from other countries. Buyers favor Australian fauna because they are hardy and good breeders, j . '

The Duchess of Wellington and Lord Tavistock possess enormous aviaries, including many Australian specimens.