LOSS TO AUCKLAND ZOO

Taranaki Daily News, 24 July 1930, Page 7

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 the female a week later, the cause of death in each case being double pneumonia. The rapidjty with which the illness resulted in death is shown by the fact that each animal died two days after it became ill. It is considered that the pneumonia was due to the sudden changes in the Auckland climate. The curator of the zoo, Mr. L. T. Griffin, stated that the animals 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 that little could be- done to prevent the illness, while no measures could be taken to avoid trouble with other sea-lions which might bo procured. The suddenness with which the attack killed the animals prevented any adequate treatment being given in time. Mr. Griffin said that sea-lions were regarded as very hardy animals quite capable of thriving in captivity, and frequently survived in circuses and other travelling* shows. Many lived to a great age in captivity, but it was likely that some were able to accustom themselves to changes in climate and conditions better than others. While they did not suffer from illness in southern latitudes because of the cold, clear atmosphere the frequent changes in temperature in Auckland might prove harmful. PenI gains which had been presented to the 'zoo had died of pneumonia. The soalions, which had been in the zoo for over 18 months, had never previously shown any signs of illness or caused any uneasiness. An effort would be made to replace them as quickly as possible, concluded Mr, Griffin, who said that* sea-lions were very common in the Auckland Islands and the Campbell Islands. It would be necessary to wait until the Government steamer made another trip to the southern islands before they could be replaced land the next voyage would not be for

some time, as the steamer did not make that trip in winter. There would be no cost in replacing the animals, as the Government obtained them and. presented them to the zoo without 'Charge. •