AUCKLAND ZOO.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1926, Page 4

AUCKLAND ZOO.

TOO HOT FOH PENGUINS [by TELEGRAPH —rEU PRESS association. 3 AUCKLAND, March d 9. If the animals of the Auckland Municipal Zoo published a daily newspaper, as do the intelligent fellows in the children’s story books, both the births and deaths column would have an entry apiece to-day. Yesterday morning one of tlie three penguins recently added to the park died after a short illness, while later in the day an Indian nilghai gave birth to twins—a son and a daughter. The penguin was a female of the trio, and was mopy from the day it was put in the enclosure. Mr L. T. Griffin, the curator and the manager, Mr Aldridge, gave the greatest attention to the bird, hilt were unable to save its life. The cause of death is put down to lung trouble, caused by the, violent change from the Antarctic to a subtropical climate. The birds, said Mr Griffin, were liable to develop lung infection in the same manner as explorers, who are quite healthy in the Antarctic regions, and catch colds on returning to the Dominion. There is a possibility tluA the two remaining penguins will possible die, despite the most careful attention that is'being given to their acclimatisation. One is already showing signs ft»f illness, nltbongli both, continue aL’ take their food well. Their brcalVk;. ho we ver, is affected. If the renulfflkig pair do succumb, it'will he a. loss to the Zoo, for the birds have proved by far tine most interesting additions for some time.

As for the nilghai twins, they arc a. very fine pair. nn<| both mother and children are reported to ho doing very well. The nilghai is the largest, species of antelope found in India. The arrival of twins brings the number at the Zoo up to six. The whole Zoo has been particularly successful in breeding animals, and it is hoped that in t"o or three years the collection will he considerably augmented l.y this means. k