PETRELS NOW IN ZOO

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1940, Page 8

PETRELS NOW IN ZOO

By Telegraph—Press Association

RESULT OF WOMAN'S CARE

Auckland, Sept. 23. Two giant petrels are now included In the collection at the Auckland Zoo. One was washed up on the Waihi Beach early in August and nursed back to strength by Mrs. C. A. Rae, who sent it to the zoo when it had completely recovered. The second bird was rescued and revived in similar circumstances by Mrs. Rae a few days ago. Artificial seawater is made at the zoo for the birds to drink. The discovery of the two birds is regarded as being especially remarkable because the oldest fishermen on the Waihi Beach have stated that they have never previously seen the petrel. Although it is widely distributed over the temperature and high southern latitudes, and occasionally wanders north of the equator, it is a rare visitor to New Zealand waters. With a uniform colouring of slateybrown, the giant petrel has a length of about 32in. and a wing-spread of no less than 66in„ its powers of flight being fully equal to those of the albatross. Its habits are vulture-like, as it lives largely on the blubber and flesh of dead whales and seals and on sea birds.