Old Sea-Lion Spends Day in Drab Thought

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 662, 14 May 1929, Page 1

Old Sea-Lion Spends Day in Drab Thought

Amazing Precocity Of a New A rrival WINTER AT THE ZOO Today is a black day for Sylvester the sea-lion. So depressed was he this morning that he actually stopped swimming figureeights in his pond at the zoo to sprawl in one corner of his enclosure, brooding. Foremost among: his worries has been the unheard-of behaviour of young Cyril, one of the new sea-lions who have now become very much at home at the zoo. Men on the Government steamer Tutanekai caught the new' in Southern seas. Sylvester is sometimes prepared to think that the Tutanekai’s crew- did a hasty action. He was, of course, pleased to see his own kith and kin, but the novelty has gone. It was almost the last straw when young Cyril rushed forward, yesterday and snatched a tempting morsel flung by a keeper. Sylvester had had an eye on that morsel. Small wonder that he became fretful. “Sea-lion or no sea-lion, Cyril is annoying,” Sylvester fumed. “He needs to be checked.” With this decision, the veteran sighed, and heaved his massive bulk into the pond for another spell of swimming figureeights. But he still wore a frown. Obviously he was in the throes of one of his periodic attacks of the “blues.” When Sylvester is affected by them, even the admiring glances of visitors to the zoo leave him cold. Only at meal-times can he show real interest in anything. ANIMALS' MOODS Attendants at the zoo soon learn the moods that animals have. Human like emotions are often revealed around the cages, the enclosures and the ponds. But Sylvester has a name for being emotional. His distress when the tiger twins. Clarence and Ethel, died from pneumonia In spite of the anxious ministrations of the zoo staff, w'as pathetic. The old sealion is sensitive. Mental telepathy, call It what you will, or some code of communication links the animals at the zoo. That memorable evening last Christmas when Milton the monkey w'as in agony after a heavy feast of chocolates, saw this code in use. Sylvester snorted sympathetically throughout the night and even phlegmatic Noel the gnu w r as heard to utter understanding cries. There must be an immense association of sympathj r in the zoo. Animals are always becoming ill. Many are victims to chills aud Mr. A. Aldridge, the superintendent, and his staff are kept busy watching patients and likely sufferers. If the baby hippopotamus loses his appetite there is agitation among his guardians. If some of the monkeys have not contracted colds, then Vernon the vulture may fill the gap in the sick list. WINTER DANGERS The winter season, well heralded by yesterday's storm, presents many* difficulties for the staff. From now on, the attendants will be keeping particularly close watch on the sick-list, ready for likely additions. Sudden New Zealand storm 3 may cause complications as far as zoo stock from warmer climates is concerned, at least. Many tropical birds will need added protection. Without complete precautions, there would be a heavy death-roll in the zoo during a severe winter. Mr. Aldridge is well acquainted with the dangers attending changeable weather. He is an enthusiastic w'orker and does his utmost to secure protection for the zoo community* Winter is certainly a difficult season, and the attendants are more than satisfied if the zoo community comes through the cold months unscathed. The one inhabitant who really approves of winter is Sylvester. The old sea-lion is able to imagine himself back in his harsh Southern climate. He may even condone the amazing precocity of young Cyril.