ZOO WITH A FUTURE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 907, 26 February 1930, Page 1

ZOO WITH A FUTURE

AUCKLAND’S ENTERPRISE MAYOR'S BROADCAST TALK The possibilities of the Auckland Zoological Park for even further development were emphasised in a lecturette broadcast from station IYA, Auckland, last evening; by the? Mayor* of Auckland, Mr. G. Bail don. His address was the first of a series of Tuesday evening talks arranged by the Auckland Zoological Society. The zoo had natural advantages not given to most other institutions of its kind, said Mr. Baildon. Within the area were natural pure spring- water* lakes, besides several swamps now filled with aquatic plants. The tapping of the swift-flowing stream cf pure water running through the heart of the zoo had enabled the City Council to provide adequate swimming pools for such animals as the hippopotami, bears and seals, and large and small lakes for numerous kinds of waterfowl. The large lake at the eastern end of the reserve, which was not yet in use for zoo purposes, was now populated by native water-fowl, black swan and grey duck, kept under strict observation.

“This is an area capable cf much beautification,” said the Mayor. “In course of time It is hoped that this lake may be developed as a sanctuary for birds and, indeed, it is large enough to provide a small fleet of pleasureboats for the use of patrons of the zoo. At the western end of the zoo there is a fine tidal creek from the harbour, by means of which boats could be brought right up to the zoo gates. There are also possibilities of the water from the creek being used to supply a salt water aquarium when funds permit of such being added to the zoological park.” Concluding, the Mayor appealed to citizens to support the Zoological Society. By becoming members they would be taking part in a direct civic effort, having for its object the ad-, vancement of the city.