A LADY'S ZOO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10679, 28 January 1913, Page 2

A LADY'S ZOO.

f" The Sun.") Mrs Roberts, a Tasinanian delegate to the recent National Council of Women, is distinguished ias being the only woman who is a corresponding member of the Zoological Society of London. This honour was conferred upon her for valuable services rendered to the Society. Mrs Roberts is also unique in possessing the only private zoo in Australia. Her venture is particularly fortunate for Tasmania, as her zoo is the only one there. It was started by her in 1900 as an aid in the study of Nature, and was opened to the public in 19Q4. 'Since then tourists from all parts of the world havo visited "Beaumaris," and expressed themselves delighted with the interesting collection there. Also, numbers of Hobart school children have had their only practical lessons on their native fauna from this garden. Since its inception the ■ work, has, grown considerably, and as it is not subsidised by the Government the whole of the. expense falls upon its owner, who, though over seventy years of age, does all the secretarial work in connection with it and most of the feeding of the animals. The collection is almost entirely Australasian, Tasmanian fauna being especially prominent. Among tho animals aro somo very fine specimens of Tasmanian tigers. These are very shy and retiring, and the only photograph of one with her young was taken at Beaumaris recently by a visiting American millionaire. Tasmanian devils are also to tire fore, and are most lovable in captivity. Various kinds of kangaroos, wallabies, . "wombats, native cats, kangaroo rats, opossums, flying squirrels and others disport themselves in the happiest environment. A little South African exile —a mcerkat—bns a history. She was brought from her native land by a lady, bound for Melbourne, \vho called in at Tasmania. But on arrival there, thero was a cable declaring the mcerkat a prohibited immigrant. Tho orders were to destroy it. However, Mrs 11-oberts's zoo was thought of, and she was asked if filio would be' prepared to quarantine it for ninety days. She consented, and though that is some years ago, tho mcerkat is with her still. Two years after the reception of tho meerkai its former owner visited it, and it remembered her well and performed the tricks she had taught it. Birds comprise almost every Australasian variety, and many foreign ones. Theao are kept -as nearly as possible under natural conditions. Noticeable among the birds is a crested penguin (an _ almost extinct Tasmanian native), which sits up and bows to visitors. "A very nice hobby of yours, Airs Roberts,"' said a visitor one day. Hobby, indeed," retorted tho lady indignantly. And well she might, for ifc is her life-work. She devot,es_ most of the day to tending her animals, and at night _sho does any writing in connection • with them. j-icr seventieth birthday was tho most strenuous sho ever remembers to have spent- A boat happened to have come in that day, which always means an influx of visitors to the zoo. But on this particular day the visitors wero more numerous than usual. Mrs Roberts says that in future her zoo is to be devoted entirely to educational purposes, and will be open to the public only twice a week. Should an occasional ' feto he _ held there, it will appropriately be in aid of the AnijiU'ls' } 3 rote<;ti"n Society.