FOSTER PARENTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 September 1939, Page 6

FOSTER PARENTS

QUAINT FAMILIES AT ZOO. Four lion cubs born at Whipsnade found their mother an indifferent nurse. They were, in consequence, sent to London and placed under the care of a matronly bitch and now promise to grow apace. The Zoological Society keeps a number of accommodating foster mothers on its books much as a hospital keeps lists of blood transfusers, since foster parents at various times may be required at the Zoo at a moment’s notice says the “Observer,” London. Bitches of one sort, or another can be relief upon to rear wild cats and dogs of every variety, while mares, cows, ewes and many goats deal with the various hoofed animals. Often a strong reciprocity develops between nurse and foster child. Some years ago a nanny goat was placed in charge of a baby rhinoceros. As the “nursling” grew it soon lowered high above its nurse, who would use the foster child for mountaineering exercise, nimbly climbing upon its back and head. Separation at last became imperative owing to the rhinoceros insisting upon attempting to go wherever the goat led. The latter sometimes climbed flights of stairs and explored laboratories and workshops adjacent to the sanatorium