CAPTIVE ANIMALS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1113, 28 April 1911, Page 6

CAPTIVE ANIMALS.

SOMETHING ABOUT MODERN ZOOtJ A most interesting lecture on the subject of "Modern Zoos" was given by Mr. A. S..Le Soonf, director of the Sydney ■Zoological Gardens, at the Town Hall (Concert Chamber) last evening. Owinsr largely to Die unfavourable wcathqt , , there was r,ather a poor attendance. Mr. J. I', l.uke, M.P., presided, and briefly introduced the lecturer. llr. Le Soeuf, who was heartily received, remarked that his chief conoern was to help a kindred society, and to got into touch with the Now Zealand people in relation to a reciprocal understanding on tho subject »f flora and fauna. Ho went on to refer to the modern conception of the treatment and study of cap-, live animals, and said that an intelligent and sympathetic appreciation of thf "personality" of animals, their, traits and characteristics, servfd to demonstrate th«. intimate relationship of instinct and reason. In fact, he said, the closer they carried their observations, the more they felt convinced that reason was the dominant influence right through tho an'mal kingdom. This point of view was largely responsible for (ho development of the modern zoo, the chief feature of which was the removal,'as far as was possible under the circumstances, of the outward and visible signs of captivity, and tho provision of tho environment peculiar tn the different species. The ideal aimed at was to make the animals contented and happy, so' that their captivity was in the sense of being rather a kind .ol luxurious retirement than durance vilo within prison bars. Having enumerahd this point of view, Mr. I.e Soeuf pro-" ce-oded to illustrate it with lantern views, showing a series of admirable and striking studies of wild animals, at large in their .native wilderness, and also in captivity. At the conclusion of tho lecture, a hearty vote of thanks .was, on the motion (if Mr. W. H. P. Barter, seconded, by the Rev. J. Crewes, accorded Mr. La Soeuf.