ZOO LOSES RARE SNAKE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19130, 26 September 1936, Page 14

ZOO LOSES RARE SNAKE

FATAL HUNGER-STRIKE LONDON, Aug. 10. The Zoo lias again ia-ieel to Keep an example of -the tare- South American tusuiuaster sna.^e. This highly veaolnous reptile invaria-n .jes on hunger strilce in captivity and tile few busimiasters exliit-ilea at tne Aoo slave died ypithin a few weeks of de-it -rrival. Last May, when the Zoo last acquired a specimen, elaborate arrangements were made for its comfort. The den was thickly carpeted with bracken, Which was sprayed with a hose twice a day to make the atmosphere humid. Shrubs and plants were installed, and live Ikards and frogs were provided as food. The snake ate a rat soon after its arrival; but. after that it observed the family tradition and has now died. The condition of the Zoo's notable invalids—George, the centenarian alligator, and Jubilee, the chimpanzee—remains unchanged. Jubilee is never very robust ■mil w'ien she catches a cold it can?es consternation.

G-eorge's condition is regarded as r*r

"us. He has n«nv bud no food since October, except for one small meal ta'-en in early spring, and he becomes more tor-

pid day by dav. At this time of the year he should be feeding well, but he appears to have no energy.