TIME LINE FOR WELLINGTON ZOO

Wellington Zoo was also known as ‘Newtown Zoo’ is New Zealands first municipal zoo.

This timeline at present is based upon articles from digitised newspapers from the National Library of New Zealand and the National Library of Australia.

This version dated 18.05.2011 – subject to revision and changes as necessary.

1906

April

7th

The proponents of the establishment of a Zoological Garden in Wellington reported to have proposed a

meeting to ask the Wellington City Council to devote a portion of the eastern park of Newtown Park for

the purposes of a Zoological Garden and pond.

ZOO FOR WELLINGTON.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, last night. For some time past there has been quietly conducted a movement in favor of establishing Zoological Gardens in Wellington.

The promoters have received so much encouragement that it is proposed to hold a public meeting early next week to ask the City Council to devote a portion of the eastern part of Newtown Park to the purposes of zoological gardens and pond, and the adjoining bush would make an admirable adjunct for swans, clucks, and other birds.

- Poverty Bay Herald 1906

8th

Proposers of the Zoological Garden are offered a one year old African lion (Panthera leo) by Bostock & Wombwell’s Circus and Menagerie

A WELLINGTON ZOO.

(Per Press Association.) Wellington, April 8.

The proposers of the Zoological gardens here have received an offer of a year-old lion.

- Taranaki Herald 9 April 1906

9th

Report of interest in the meeting that was to be held in the Public Library at Newtown in Wellington. Confirmation that Bostock & Wombwell’s Circus had offered a one year old African Lion from their No. 2 Menagerie to Wellington City Council if the Zoological Gardens were established

Interest in the meeting, which is to be held in the Public Library, Newtown, tomorrow evening in favour of the establishing, of zoological gardens in Wellington has been increased by a statement made by Captain Frank Taylor, managing director of Bostock and Wombwell's Circus and Menagerie. Captain Taylor has expressed his willingness to present a one-year-old lion to the city if the zoological gardens are established.

The general public is invited to attend the meeting tomorrow night. The proposal is to get a portion of Newtown, Park set apart as a zoo, and it is thought that a museum might be combined with the gardens, especially as Mr. Potherick has already promised his valuable collection as the nucleus of a museum.

- Evening Post 9 April 1906

11th

Description of the meeting held at the Newtown Public Library on 10 April 1906On the proposal to establish the Zoological Gardens at Newtown Park Wellington.

Speakers:

C.M Luke (voted to the chair)Rev. D. C Bates (Government Meteorologist)Messrs Gill (Newtown School) and Flux – Headmasters of Public Schools in Wellington SouthRev. ShirerMr MoseleyMr Travers

A committee was formed from this meeting to:

“ … to make all necessary enquiries, elicit information, and take such preliminary steps as might be necessary towards furthering the establishment of a zoological garden.”

The committee consisted of:

“On the motion of Mr. Shirer such a committee was act up, consisting of the Revs. Bates, Shirer, and Crewes, Messrs. C. M. Luke, Gill, Flux, Moseley, Gray, Rand, and Culver.”

This committee resolved in the meeting :-

“That the whole of the meeting wait upon the City Council and ask that body to support the movement. If that support be given the council is to be asked to join with the deputation in waiting upon the Premier with a request that a grant in aid of the movement be made from the funds of the colony.”

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.

PROPOSED NATIONAL INSTITUTION. MEETING AT NEWTOWN.

A meeting of citizens desirous of forwarding the movement to establish zoological gardens in Wellington was held in the Newtown Public Library last night.

Mr. C. M. Luke, who was voted to the chair, said that the establishment of zoological gardens seemed to him an admirable proposal, especially from the educational standpoint.

That appeared to him a matter of paramount importance. He did not know whether it was proposed to have only something local, but it seemed to him "that something of national importance should be attempted here, inasmuch as Wellington was the Empire City, and stood for the whole of the colony. Mr. Luke concluded by reading a telegram from the Minister of Education expressing his approval of anything likely to facilitate the imparting of natural history.

The Rev. Mr. Bates, who explained the preliminary steps that have already been taken in the matter, said it seemed to the promoters that Newtown was the proper place for location of a zoological garden in which could be shown birds, beasts, and a certain amount of our fish life if possible. Wellington was the first port of call for a majority of tourists, and we should arrange to show them something of our fauna, instead of making them wait to see them until they went to London or Berlin, or some other Continental capital. It was deplorable that in our parks there was at present hardly a live thing to be seen by our children. He believed that zoological gardens would make children understand history better, and they would be likely to treat animals kinder if they were used to seeing them alive in our parks.

Messrs. Gill and Flux, headmasters of the two public schools situated in South Wellington, each gave strong support to the proposal. They based their support on several grounds, but most strongly on the educational aspect.

The Rev. Mr. Shirer also supported the proposal, and expressed his belief that the Premier would be found perfectly willing to act up to the spirit of the telegram sent by him to the meeting in his capacity as Minister of Education.

Mr. Moseley suggested that it would be well to first decided, whether the zoological gardens were to be local or national. It seemed to him that it would be well to make the movement a national one, but the meeting should recognise that a very large sum of money would be required. It was, true that large results had sprung from small beginnings, but it was a fact that £100,000 could be spent in establishing thoroughly representative zoological gardens.

Then, they had to take the risk of whether or not they would secure sufficient public support to enable the gardens to be run without a loss, it was a fact that in Sydney some years ago the trustees of the gardens had to sell some of the animals, so that expenses could be met and future expenditure reduced. He did not want to pour cold water on the scheme, but it was well for the meeting to know and face its difficulties.

Discussion that followed made it plain that the idea of national zoological gardens met with the meeting's approval, and that the general feeling was that a committee should be set up to make all necessary enquiries, elicit information, and take such preliminary steps as might be necessary towards furthering the establishment of a zoological garden.

On the motion of Mr. Shirer such a committee was act up, consisting of the Revs. Bates, Shirer, and Crewes, Messrs. C. M. Luke, Gill, Flux, Moseley, Gray, Rand, and Culver. On the motion of Mr. Rand, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Bates, it was resolved that the whole of the meeting wait upon the City Council and ask that body to support the movement. If that support be given the council is to be asked to join with the deputation in waiting upon the Premier with a request that a grant in aid of the movement be made from the funds of the colony.

In an incidental discussion, Mr. Travers expressed the opinion that a good deal towards establishing the zoological gardens could be done by exchanging birds indigenous to New Zealand for other animals. In such a way the nucleus of a good collection could be got together at a small expense.

If the City Council would grant a small sum of money a good deal more could be raised by public subscription. He concluded by moving a vote of thanks to Captain Taylor (of Bostock and Wombwell's circus) for his offer of a live young lion towards the proposed zoo. This was unanimously carried, and the corporation is to be asked to undertake the housing of the lion.

- Evening Post 11 April 1906

14th

Editorial in the Evening Post 14 April 1906 concerning the establishment of the proposed Zoological Gardens at Newtown Park, Wellington.

A NATIONAL ZOO.

Our fast-disappearing native fauna is .most unknown to the majority, of the inhabitants of New Zealand, and the proposal which has been taken in hand to establish the nucleus of a national zoological collection at Wellington is by no means premature. While other towns — Nelson, Wanganui, Rotorua, Napier, etc. — have their small collections, and the admirable zoological museum at Christchurch is also supplemented by the work of the Acclimatisation Society of Canterbury, yet this city has practically nothing in the shape of bird or animal life in its public parks to interest and instruct the younger generation in particular, and the public generally.

The question of the cost of establishing here a collection such as has been suggested would not be very great, but apart from this, the educational and national aspects certainly outweigh the argument that a zoo could not be made to pay. Yet there are some aspects even which present the proposal in a payable light. The tramways would certainly benefit if a small zoo were established at Newtown Park.

Captain Taylor, of the circus and menagerie at present visiting Wellington, estimates the original cost of decent equipment at £500, but for £1000 a very interesting collection of the native, the Australian, and some specimens of the birds and animals of other parts could be obtained.

The ground proposed to be utilised is now used to grow trees which are of little use or ornament, and there would be no difficulty therefore as to the site.

As to the cost of upkeep, that would be balanced by the gain educationally, and also to some extent financially. Our own people should be acquainted with the native flora and fauna, and visitors would naturally expect to find such a collection as proposed in the capital city of the colony.

The idea of establishing zoological gardens to compare with those of Melbourne or Sydney is not at present entertained, but that something should be done is evident. In view of its educational and national values, it is probable that any contributions from the municipality and the public would be subsidised by the State, which might also assist the project by giving a collection of native birds, some of which could be exchanged for birds of other countries.

If once started, even with a few monkeys, a stray lion, some rare ducks and ducklings in the ponds, and a collection of native birds, Newtown Park would very soon become one of the most popular public places of resort in the city.

The promoters of the movement, however, must not fail to impress on the public the modesty of their proposal, for, in view of the large projects to which the city is already committed, and those to which it still aspires, there is a tendency to view

askance anything not absolutely indispensable or calculated to show a direct financial return.

- Evening Post 14 April 1906

21st

The deputation consisting of the committee formed during the meeting at the Public Library in Newtown Wellington appeared before the Wellington City Council on April 20.

The Wellington City Council resolved to accept the offer of the young lion from Bostock and Wombwell’s Circus and Menagerie

A ZOO, AT WELLINGTON

Auckland, April 20

The City Council tonight was waited on by a deputation from a recent public meeting, which urged that the Council should establish a zoological collection at Newtown Park. The Council has decided to accept the offer of the gift of a young lion, and has referred the general question to its Finance Committee.

- West Coast Times 21 April 1906

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.

DEPUTATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL. THE COUNCIL ACCEPTS THE LION.

A deputation of residents of South Wellington waited upon the City Council last night to bring before that body the recommendation of a public meeting recently held in Newtown that zoological gardens be established in the city.

Mr C M Luke introduced the deputation he pointed out that by having a zoo at Newtown Park the Corporation would secure increased traffic on the tramways.

Mr. T. H. Gill, M.A., headmaster of the Newtown school, spoke of the educational advantages that would accrue to the rising generation by establishing a zoo. The people generally would also benefit by providing the gardens. Children of the city and from the country would thus be interested in animal life. The Corporation would not have to face heavy expenses. It might begin by making a collection of our own and our neighbouring colonies' native fauna, which could be done economically.

Mr. A. J Rand referred to the offer of a lion from the manager of the circus which was at present in Wellington. The City Council should combine with the deputation to approach, the Government with a view to getting a national zoo established in

Newtown Park. Sea lions and birds could be obtained from New Zealand's outlying islands, and exchanges could be made, thus saving expenses.

The Rev. Mr. Bates (secretary of the public meeting) presented a petition upon the subject.

Councillor Cohen : Won't we have to engage a man especially to look after the lion? Mr. Luke replied that it was thought an employee of the council engaged about Newtown Park would be able to perform the required services.

Councillor Winder said he had been given to understand that it would cost £150 per annum to keep the lion.

A voice: No, £50.

The Mayor intimated that the council would take a early opportunity of considering the petition and the request of the deputation.

Referring subsequently to the subject, the Mayor said the principal question at present was the acceptance or refusal of the offer of the lion, which he was given to understand was a fine animal.

He would advise the acceptance of a very generous offer. The other questions raised by the deputation might be considered when the council was framing its estimates. He moved in these directions. In seconding the motion, Councillor Godber said the city should take steps to start the nucleus of a zoological garden.

Councillor Winder: Are there any conditions attached to the offer of the lion?

The Mayor: None.

Councillor Cohen protested against the motion being carried.

"It was better for the Council to devote its funds to looking after our streets and footpaths than to spending it upon lions and tigers."

When the motion was put several noes were uttered. It was declared carried.

The Mayor moved that the Finance Committee be instructed to consider the question of providing funds for zoological gardens.

- Evening Post 21 April 1906

25th

Criticism in the Otago Daily Witness of the proposal to have an African Lion at Newtown Park

“The Wellington City Corporation has been blessed, or rather cursed, with a superfluous lion, and a number of misguided people are endeavouring to add to him with the object of forming a "zoo"”

April 23. The Wellington City Corporation has been blessed, or rather cursed, with a superfluous lion, and a number of misguided people are endeavouring to add to him with the object of forming a "zoo"

The lion, it is true, is only a cub, but he will grow. The advocates of the zoo argue that it will be a fine thing for Wellington educationally, but the New Zealand Times makes fun of the whole business.

It says:—

"We are perfectly certain that any 'zoo' worthy of the name would be a permanent, charge on the city, and the city has more than enough to do with its spare money without indulging in any extraneous luxuries.

“Already it has saddled itself with the maintenance of a lion, and ridiculous as it may be to confine our ' zoo ' to one totally useless and very hungry wild beast, it will be wiser to do so than to squander money on a quite unnecessary and certainly risky venture.”

“As for the lion, he will not be seriously missed if he is given away to the next menagerie that comes along."

- Otago Witness 25 April 1906

28th

Letter to the editor of the Evening Post concerning a ‘misrepresentation‘ of the facts concerning the establishment of the proposed future zoo by Rev. D. C Bates Government Meteorologist. A second letter also printed in the same edition with the pen-name ‘Couer De Leon’ in support of the establishment of the zoological institution.

THE PROPOSED "ZOO."

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Misrepresentation and ridicule are the two weapons now being freely used in certain quarters to discredit the proposal to establish the nucleus of a "zoo" in this

city. The bogey of the "enormous expense" has been brought up to intimidate the public.

Regarding suggested projects supposed to b» of greater importance, I ask, would not even the smallest "zoo" appeal to a far wider circle, especially of our young people, in this community. We want above all attractions to take the inhabitants of the city into the fresh air and open places like Newtown Park.

While older people who have read and travelled much would have their memories stimulated, the young would be incited ,to study geography, history, and the adventures of travellers, for the educational advantages are not all on the surface.

No flat picture on a small scale, nor even stuffed specimens could ever convey a tith of the impressions to be obtained from the movements of the living creatures themselves. A few swans, with their cygnets, or even ducks and ducklings on our ponds would be a constant source of interest and amusement to the little ones, who would not have far to travel to see them, if only our city were as well provided in this respect as Napier and Rotorua.

How few of our citizens have ever seen alive our distinctively native fauna, the kiwi, weka, bell-bird, etc. Wealthy individuals have at times brought solitary specimens into their gardens, but the public have surely some concern in the living creatures which are most intimately associated with the history of New Zealand.

The offer of a valuable young lion to this city ought not to be publicly flouted, but at least thought worthy of some consideration. At present the idea is young, and the weakness of all public movements in their initiatory steps lies in the fact that what is everybody's business is often nobody's, while privately owned gardens of public resort do not consider the upkeep of a few birds and animals anything but an attraction, it is high time our valuable parks should be made more attractive than they are at present.

"Some time" often spells "never," while now. I maintain, is the time to start a "zoo," which if found to prosper, and possibly even realise that grand end of some of the wealthy ones pay — may sooner or later blossom out into a national undertaking worthy of the capital city of the colony, and one of which every New Zealander will be proud. — I am, "etc.,

D. C. BATES. Wellington, 24th April, 1906.

TO THE: EDITOR.

Sir, — It has been suggested that cruel boys would take the opportunity of poking sticks at the Wellington lion if confined in a cage. The sum of £50, with which the City Council proposes to build the suggested cage could, I think, be utilised in a better way.

There is plenty of room and some nice little valleys in Newtown Park; one of these, like a small amphitheatre, could be made an enclosure insurmountable on the one side to venturesome boys, and the lion could be confined on the other side

The animal could be seen from the sides of the valley, and a mound in the centre would give an air of reality to his surroundings, besides affording him the best means of exercise. I would like also to see our native flying birds, the bell-bird, tui, etc., in a commodious and cheap wire-netted enclosure, in taking in a few small trees too. With the addition of waders and swimmers on the ponds, it would give the children more life to watch.

It is unfortunate that so many of our native fauna are of nocturnal habits, but no doubt we shall soon be able to see them alive and well cared for in the park. The idea of larger enclosures may seem a big one — "another frightful expense" — to timid people ; but better have a small and well-arranged little park "zoo," worth looking at, than a mere collection of menagerie cages.

If an enclosure for the lion cannot be made for £50, those who are interested in the scheme will, I feel sure, not be found afraid of dipping into their own pockets for a trifle towards supporting a good idea and giving the whole show a promising beginning.

Further developments, about which several people are now troubling themselves, will then take care of its self. Those who have confidence in this city, and have made their homes here are its best friends. — I am, etc.,

COUER DE LEON.

- Evening Post 28 April 1906

30th

We have a real lion. Not a thing of paper or of dinner parties, but a live brute who lives in a cage and is ready to be stared at by all and sundry without roaring. He represents the desire on the part of the City Council to take part in the education of the young people of the city. He is the nucleus of a "zoo," the foundation of a profitable enterprise, a humaniser and an influence for good. It is not the way they talked of your lion in the old story-books.

But things have changed, and every City Councillor has become an education authority. Inconvenient persons who dare not protest against the educational part of the scheme have got into a way of remembering that there are places where it has been proved that all things that glitter as a Zoo are not gold.

Take Sydney for example: there the Zoo became a white elephant, and had to be got rid of. It is probable, the street thinks, that the same sort of transmogrification of animals will be the result of this novel civic enterprise. However, our lion is yet young; he may get the distemper.

- ‘Our Wellington Letter’ Marlborough Express 30 April 1906

May

- Image of Newtown Park Otago Witness 16 May 1906

THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS AT NEWTOWN PARK.

"A Lover of Nature," who has visited Newtown Park, sends the following notes upon his observations : —

As a great deal of interest is being taken in the proposed "zoo" at Newtown Park, I took the occasion of a few hours' leisure to pay that locality a visit in order to see whether it was suitable.

I had visited zoological gardens, and could therefore make comparisons. The park, as approached from the Mansfield Street entrance, presents a very fine appearance, with its background of pines and hills.

The entrance gates are very elaborate, but their appearance is marred by the neglected and untidy conditions immediately inside the gates.

I am informed that at the northern end, from the ornamental gates towards Daniel Street, a belt of pine trees at one time existed, but these were, with a few exceptions, cut down. I think this was a mistake, as from the prevalence of the northerly winds the grounds are much exposed.

The shrubbery along the northern boundary is very much in want of attention, a quantity of clay soil has been deposited in various parts of it, giving it an unfinished appearance. Proceeding along the path from the main entrance towards the Daniel Street entrance, I came to a place enclosed with high palings. On looking through the cracks, I saw that it appeared to be a nursery for native plants. It seems a pity that these have not been planted out. Continuing along the path, a pond is reached. The water is rather dirty. This I found, on proceeding further up the gully, was caused to a great extent by the fact that just outside the park boundary a resident keeps a number of ducks.

These, no doubt, when feeding in the creek, which is very small, make the water muddy. At the head of this pond is a mass of raupo and rushes, a most suitable shelter for such birds as ducks, pukekos, swans, etc.

Beyond this the amount, of running water is small, but a series of small dams could easily be erected, which would make excellent places for swimming birds. This gully has a very flat area, which is a great advantage, as there is not so much chance of any furious floods.

It also has another great advantage, in that along the sides of it various aviaries could be erected. The gully is also well sheltered from all winds, and by the removal 'of a number of large pines, which 'are too ' crowded, smaller and more, ornamental vegetation could be planted, and various very pretty views obtained, but a quantity of gorse and broom will have to be got rid of.

There are few places near a city, so suitable for the purposes of a zoological garden as this park. The gully already referred to can be made available for a large number of birds by simply enclosing with wire netting some of the smaller trees, and suspending a few cages as sleeping places. This would prevent rats getting at them, as it is chiefly at night when at rest in their sleeping places that they are taken by these vermin.

As the Town Belt is immediately at the back of the park, there will be plenty of room for such animals as deer and kangaroos, and the larger kinds of birds, such as the ostrich, emu, cassowary, etc.

The cages, for most of the birds and animals need only be of the very plainest construction, as in our climate little protection is needed. They are required more for sleeping places than for day shelters.

There is another thing that would add greatly to the attraction of the place, and that is the erection of a few houses of batten or brush. In these, which can be erected at a very small cost, a great variety of our splendid native ferns, and others from outside, could be grown. I am sure such a house, 100 ft long by 30ft wide, could be built and filled with at least eight to a hundred species of ferns for not more than £100.

Of course, there would be more than one of each species, as such a house would easily hold over a thousand plants. Another of the same style of house could be filled with the smaller growing native plants. Many beautiful things could be Rot that very few people have seen, and as there is now an intention of educating by' means of object lessons, what better and cheaper means could be obtained.

I recommend the residents of all the various localities included in Greater Wellington to urge upon the members of the City Council who reside in those places to support the above proposal.

It would also be a wise thing if the City Council asked some of the willing residents in the above localities to join with the 'council in forming a committee to deal with and carry on the above matters.

- Evening Post 8 May 1906

June

King Dick at Newtown Zoo June 1906– Image Otago Witness 20 June 1906

Images from the Otago Witness 20 June 1906 showing the African Lion ‘King Dick’ newly installed at Newtown Park

2nd

Telegram received from Bostock & Wombwell’s Circus and Menagerie dated 2nd

June 1906 from New Plymouth to Town Clerk at Wellington

“Lion sent. Feed and water on arrival.”– Douglas F. Bostock”

- Primary source information kindly provided by and courtesy of Wellington Zoo

*There are other historical accounts that claim that the lion was sold to Wirth’s Circus after a Wellington City Councillor allegedly made an off hand remark about having the cub “stuffed and mounted” . Allegedly Wirth’s Circus then donated the lion to Wellington city Council for the new zoo - however the telegram sent by Douglas F Bostock from New Plymouth on 4 June 1906 to the Town Clerk at Wellington City Council disproves this theorised outcome. The telegram sighted has been kindly provided with grateful acknowledgement and thanks to Wellington Zoo.

*In an Evening Post report 4 May 1921 (the report is inaccurate due to the Telegram that was sent by Douglas F. Bostock on June 2nd 1906 to the Town Clerk at Wellington City Council advising of the lion being sent) it states that the lion had been offered by Bostock & Wombwell Circus & Menagerie as a young cub. An off hand comment made by one of the Wellington City Councillors’ about having the cub stuffed and mounted caused the offer to be withdrawn. The cub was subsequently sold to Wirth’s Circus. Wirth Circus then reoffered the cub and the NZ Government Meteorologist D.C Bates went to New Plymouth and collected the cub.

6th

Marlborough Express 6 June 1906Article reporting the lion was on its way from New Plymouth from Bostock & Wombwell’s Circus & Menagerie in the charge of the government meteorologist Rev D. C. Bates

9th

Evening Post Letter to the editor 9 June 1906‘Our Solitary Lion’ letter concerning the lion being on its own at Newtown ParkIt was suggested that a dog should be put in with the lion for company by the writer.

OUR SOLITARY LION - A SUGGESTION(Letter to the editor)

Sir - On looking at the half grown lion at Newtown Park, I noticed he was trying to play with his feed tin, and seemed moping for want of a mate, after coming from a circus, where he had plenty of company.

I think the poor beast will mope and pine away in such solitary confinement as he is subjected to.

In some Zoological gardens and circuses in the Old Country I have occasionally seen a dog put in with a baby lion, such as the one in Newtown Park, for a mate with the result that the lion 'chummed up' with the dog, and they became fast friends and playmates.

As the City Council always has a number of stray dogs on its hands, which the officials either sell for a song or destroy, I would suggest they select an amiable dog of fair size (not a poodle that the lion would kill if he stroked it with his paw), and

place it in with the lion, and give him a chance to make friends if he will.

A grating could be placed across the centre of the cage first to let the lion and the dog become acquainted or introduced, and removed if the lion appeared friendly or inclined to play.

Even if the lion did kill and eat the dog, the latter would be no loss, as anyway he would have been killed by the council, and it would be a much more noble death for the dog to be killed by the king of beasts than to be smothered by the council

I am etc - Leo(Abridged)

Evening Post - 9 June 1906

11th

Grey River Argus Article 11 June 1906Mentions the Lion being installed in an enclosure at Newtown Park by the lake.

July

August

September

October

November

9th

Evening Post Article 9 November 1906Article on the continuing campaign and proposal to have a zoo based around the Lion at Newtown Park

December

12th

Evening Post Article 12 December 1906Lion visited by Fijian Fire Walker group

Species List for 1906

African Lion Panthera leo

1907

1908January7th

Letter to the editor of The Evening Post concerning conditions at Newtown Park

THE NEWTOWN " ZOO."

A visitor to the Zoo at Newtown writes as follows : —

A lamentable amount of cruelty has been inflicted upon caged animals through sh'eer ignorance and misdirected kindness. It is true that the "Zoo" is on a small scale, but already it is one of the attractions of the city, and its influence upon the tramway receipts is more satisfactory than most of the citizen-shareholders in the service may be aware of. School children, too, are taken in parties — some even from Masterton— to see the "Zoo," so that it fulfills a useful purpose, as well as a means, of entertainment.

Probably, when children are taught more about animals, as they may be at the "Zoo, ' they-will be less cruel to the monkeys and other hapless beasts who cannot retaliate from their wire prisons.

The first, thing, it would seem, that requires to be done is to enlarge the lion’s cramped quarters, and next to place the whole collection in charge of a scientifically trained director. The 'Zoo" has had a humble beginning, at it is yet small, but it has made a good start, is on the whole, well managed, and is a source of pleasure to the citizens. The proximity of the excellent museum at Newtown is in its favour, for what cannot be learned the living creature may be learned of the dead one at the museum.

In any case the live collection at Newtown Park is now too large and important to abandon, and for the sake of the animals and public it calls for the rearrangement and supplementing of the specimens and enlargement of the quarters of some of them.

- Evening Post 7 January 1908

March

Evening Post Article 13 March 1908Article on King Dick and mention of his growth since arriving at Newtown Park

Evening Post 16 March 1908Letter to the Editor concerning King Dick and the zoo by D.C. Bates

Evening Post 19 March 1908 – A letter to the editor appears headed ‘Reply to Mr D.C Bates concerning King Dick being on his own.

23rd

Rev. D.C. Bates calls for more native birds to be added to the new Zoological Park. Noted in the article that bird species were now being kept at Newtown Park.

THE ZOO.

Daily grows the interest of Wellington people in their baby Zoological Garden at Newtown Park. At present the lion devours most of the public's enthusiasm, but some will soon be a variable for other inmates. A few birch, have been added to the domain, but more are needed.

The Rev. D. C. Rates urges the importance of securing more specimens of native fauna for the institution. Gradually the advance of axe and fire are driving the birds to the brink from which none returns, and it is submitted that Wellington should obtain a stock while the process is not too arduous and costly.

Mr. Bates who is honorary secretary of the Citizens' Committee, mentions that no country has a park better qualified than the Newtown Reserve for the shelter of animals and birds in places to suit the inmates and the visiting public.

- Nelson Evening Mail 23 March 1908

April

3rd

THE ZOO. MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE.

A meeting of the Citizens' Zoological Gardens Committee was held in the Museum, Newtown, last evening.

Mr. W. H. P. Barber, M.P., vice- president, occupied the chair. The hon. sec. (Rev. D. C. Bates) presented a balance-sheet, which showed the gross proceeds of the concert end donations in aid of the funds recently received amounted to £63, and the expenses of the late effort to about £30.

Owing to the unfortunate weather experienced the net proceeds would not permit the committee to purchase a lioness, and it was resolved to keep a fund as a nucleus and to make a further effort later on.

In the meantime, however, it was desired to add to the attractions of the Zoo by spending part of the funds in hand. Subject to the acceptance of the City Council it was resolved to obtain from the Sydney Zoo pairs of each of the following animals and birds — Rusa deer, demoiselle cranes, wedge-tailed eagles, emus, vulpine opossums, big grey kangaroos, nail-tailed kangaroos, macaque monkeys, and dingoes. Mr. F. S. Hall, a member of the committee, offered to purchase from the list submitted a pair of maned geese, and Mr. A. J. Rand offered a pair of rock wallabies. The hon. treasurer (Mr. G. Frost) was also authorised to obtain a pair of tuatara lizards.

Votes of thanks were passed to Mr. G. W. Davies, of Wellington, who had interested himself in the Zoo matters in Sydney, and to Mr. A. S. Le Souef, secretary of the Sydney Zoo, for his kindness and courtesy in dealing with the committee and members who have visited that establishment.

The names of Mr. G. Lambert, J.P., and Mr. W. Foster were added to the committee, and it was decided to hold another meeting as soon as the council had disposed of the resolutions with regard to the management of the Zoo, which were being brought forward by Councillor J. P. Luke with the approval of the Reserves Committee. The committee desired to co-operate in their efforts. The desirability of a Zoo was urged especially as an attraction and benefit to visitors from the country. The expenses of upkeep, especially of keeping a lion, which had been grossly exaggerated, wore shown to have occurred chiefly in formations of, paths, fencing, etc., and a caretaker in the park. Some amount of misunderstanding and opposition was inevitable, but the discussion in full committee showed that the sympathy of the general public, and especially of those members of the council who had interested themselves in the city reserves and tramways, was with the committee.

- Evening Post 3 April 1908

A concert held to raise funds for obtaining a Lioness for ‘King Dick’ fails to reach the target needed. A cartoon appeared in the NZ Observer 11 April 1908 portraying King Dick as a bridegroom without a bride

Evening Post Article 19 April 1908Mentions a letter about ‘the young lion’

May

8th

An Emu is found dead with wounds inflicted reportedly by stick or stone

FATE OF AN EMU.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, May 8. An emu recently placed in the "Zoo" just started in Newtown Park has been apparently wantonly done to death. The bird was found dead with wounds evidently inflicted by a stick or stone.

- Evening Post 8 May 1908

September

11th

Mr A.E.L Bertling formerly the head keeper of the Zoological Society of London’s Regent Gardens is appointed superintendent of the Newtown Zoo.

THE ZOO AT WELLINGTON.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 10. Mr. A. E. L. Bertling formerly head keeper of the Zoological Society’s gardens. Regent Park, London, and lately chief ranger and gamekeeper for the Tourist Department at Rotorua, has been appointed superintendent of the Newtown zoo, Wellington at a salary of £200. Mr. Bertling brought out to New Zealand; at the request of the High Commissioner, the herd of chamois presented to the Dominion by the Emperor of Austria.

- Taranaki Herald 11 September 1908

Evening Post Article 11 September 1908Article concerning the conditions of King Dick’s enclosure

October

NZ Free Lance Town Talk Column 3rd October 1908Criticism of the size of the enclosure King Dick was housed in described as ‘the size of a pill box’

December

Evening Post Article 11 December 1908‘The Growing Zoo’ A general article about the expanding Newtown Park Zoo. King Dick mentioned

Species list for 1908:African Lion Panthera leoEmu Dromaius novaehollandiaeMonkeys?Unknown Bird species1909

April

NZ Truth 10 April 1909Article about high mortality rates at the zoo. Mentions King Dick as being put on half rations

May

Evening Post 31 May 1909Complaint from a resident about the roaring of King Dick at Newtown Park – padded cell suggested

December

Evening Post 1 December 1909Libel Action case taken – Lions mentioned in the testimony

Evening Post Article 3 December 1909‘The Unhappy Zoo’ article concerning the conditions at Newtown Park Zoo King Dick mentioned in article

1910

MarchEvening Post Report 18 March 1910Report concerning the Libel Case titled ‘The Zoo case’ King Dick mentioned in article and report on the testimony

NZ Truth Report 19 March 1910NZ Truth Sued by Carnivore Keeper at Newtown Zoo for £2000 King Dick mentioned in article

NZ Truth Report 19 March 1910Article titled ‘The Lioness again’ testimony in the Libel case taken against NZ Truth mention of King Dick

NZ Truth Report 19 March 1910 Article titled ‘The Defence’ concerning a Libel case King Dick is mentioned in the article

July

Evening Post 27 July 1910

Letter to the Editor signed by John Crewe concerning the Zoo and King Dick

NovemberEvening Post article 19 November 1910Article about the general haphazard condition of the Newtown Park Zoo King Dick mentioned in the article

1911JanuaryEvening Post Article 24 January 1911Wirth Bros Circus loans lioness to Newtown Park Zoo for King Dick

A report in the NZ Truth 28 January 1911 appeared concerning the loan of a Lioness by Messrs Wirth Bros (Wirth’s Circus) and the trouble with keeping the public away from the cage

MarchEvening Post article 4 March 1911An article about ‘life at the zoo’ with comical inferences and anthropomorphic references to Mr & Mrs Lion

September

Evening Post 6 SeptemberFullers Pictures article. Film ‘Our Empire City of Wellington’ done of Wellington which includes footage of King Dick and the Lioness with him

1912

January

Evening Post Article 17 January 1912 Mentions a visit by a member of Wirth’s Circus. Also mentions a lioness with King Dick and her replacement to be brought in the next day. The lioness was taken back by Wirths and replaced with a new female.

Evening Post Article 18 January 1912Lioness removed from King Dick’s enclosure and her replacement by Wirth Bros. Circus introduced.

1913January

Evening Post 21 JanuaryGeneral report about the zoo mentions King Dick’s history

February

Evening Post article 5 February 1913

Titled ‘The bottomless Zoo’ mention of buying the lioness in with King Dick from Wirth’s Circus cost at £1200

Evening Post Letter 19 February 1913Titled ‘A distressing case’ The letter was written as ‘Queen Dick’ about her being returned to Wirth’s Circus.

MayEvening Post Report 13 May 1913Criticism of the Wellington Zoological Society King Dick mentioned in the article

1914

JuneEvening Post article 26 June 1914Death of Lion cub ‘Young George’ one of King Dick’s cubs mentioned

1915

OctoberEvening Post Report 18 October 1915 Report of a Lioness named ‘Maud’ giving birth to four cubs. Mentions the Lion that sired them as being a ‘male lion loaned from J.J Boyd’s zoo in Onehunga’ noted that King Dick was the grandfather of the cubs.

1920OctoberEvening Post article 22 October 1920Mentions King Dick as being at the zoo and states his age as being ’22 years old’ the rest of the article addresses additions made to the Newtown Zoo and the animal collection – (However this is impossible as King Dick was a year old in 1906)

December

December 21st

Reports that King Dick is to be destroyed due to paralysis of the legs.

King Dick's DestructionFinest Captive Lion

14 Years in Wellington Zoo

The Lion at Wellington Zoo known as 'King Dick' is suffering from paralysis of the legs and has to be destroyed. He has been there 14 years and is described by experts 'as the finest lion in

captivity'.- Thames Star 21 December 1920

1921

January

The Ohinemuri Gazette 3 January 1921 gave an extensive report on the decision to have King Dick euthanised. Details included the lion’s date of birth and where he had come from. It was reported that the lion would be skinned and sent for Taxidermy at the Newtown Museum

May An Evening Post article 4 May 1921

Giving details of Newtown Zoo’s latest additions including a report of some of King Dick’s history and background. Of note in particular that they state King Dick was sired by Wallace an apparently very famous lion. Further states King Dick was now preserved and mounted.

Other Notations:

Wallace was noted as being the father of King Dick.One reference to a Lion named Wallace in Foley’s Menagerie in an advertising column in the Daily Southern Cross May 29 1968 (referenced by historian Lisa Truttman author of the Zoo War)

However this is not the Lion that fathered King Dick. Further investigation revealed several newspaper articles from 1906 in the Australian Newspapers website. Wallace was described as an African Lion he was not sold at the auction in question. A lioness named ‘Victoria’ was sold and she was mentioned as being

the mother of many fine cubs. She seemed to be part of the menagerie it is more than possible that King Dick was the result of a mating between Wallace and the lioness Victoria.

“The African lion Wallace, a fine animal, was not sold. Two lions, Caesar and Nero, and two lionesses, Empress and Princess, constituting a group of four talented performers, were sold for £180. They will probable abandon the stage for a zoological garden.. Inspite of her excellent references as wife and mother, the African lioness Victoria who has successfully brought several litters through the trying ailments to with baby lions are liable, did not realise more than £29.”

- Examiner (Tasmania) 19 November 1906

(I suspect she was sold possibly to Melbourne Zoo but will have to confirm that)

Wallace is mentioned in the following article on the Death of Fred BostockAs reported in the Kalgoorie Western Argus 17 December 1912

“At the Paris Hippodrome the great trainer nearly lost his life in an encounter with the enormous lion Wallace. which seized him in the back and mauled him badly, causing him to be incapacitated for many weeks.”

1923

January18thKiwis swapped for a tiger from London Zoo (1 Kiwi died)

The London Zoo has "swapped" a tiger for a bird (writes "L.G.M." in the Daily Mail of November 29). The beast left Regent's Park yesterday, and the bird—one of the almost extinct New Zealand kiwi—is already on its way to London, and will pass the tiger on its way as it sails for the Wellington municipal "Zoo." There were a pair of kiwis in the original bargain, but one died and will, it is hoped, be replaced very soon. These rare birds are rigidly preserved by the New Zealand Government in an island sanctuary. They have humorously long slender beaks with the nostrils in the extreme end, so that when they plunge into the earth for worms they can smell their way to breakfast. They* seem to be dressed in hair rather than feathers, and, as no wings are visible, the kiwi appears to "keep its hands in its pockets" all' the time. The mother kiwi lays one huge egg in the nesting sea-son —an egg nearly as large as herself. Therefore, even under the best conditions, the increase in the kiwi population is terribly slow. As our Zoo has several tigers and the last kiwi in London died years ago, the "swap" has its advantages. especially as other "make-weights" may come later on.

- Hawera and Normanby Star 18 January 1923

1925February10th

Male Polar Bear is sold to Wellington Zoo for £75. The Auckland City Council had ordered 6 bears. They received four females and two males. It was decided to sell one of the male bears to prevent any conflicts that could result in death.

POLAR BEAR

The Mayor (Mr. E. A. Wright) yesterday received a communication from the Auckland City Council, advising him the Auckland Council was agreeable to supply a male Polar bear to the Wellington Zoo, the price agreed upon being £75.

The Auckland Council, bearing in mind the risks of transport; ordered six bears, and all arrived safely. There are two males in the collection, and as they are pugnacious brutes, and liable to fight to the death they must be kept apart. Arrangements have been made for the temporary housing of the male bear when, it arrives at Wellington.

- Evening Post 10 February 1925

A ZOO ATTRACTION

POLAR BEAR ARRIVES

IN TEMPORARY QUARTERS

Wellington's first polar bear, a very fine and well-grown youngster, arrived in good spirits at the Zoo yesterday, and was liberated in its temporary quarters today. This bear is the animal purchased by the council from the Auckland City Council, which some time ago placed an order for five polar bears, two males and three-females, more than were really required for the Auckland Zoo, in order to guard against the possibilities of sickness or accident • during the voyage to New Zealand. As a matter of fact, all five arrived in good fettle, and it was accordingly decided to sell one of the males. Wellington's bear is apparently an enterprising young chap, so much so that while on shipboard he voted against further solitary confinement, and straight away set to work and chewed a way out through the bottom of his cage. Upon that the majority vote immediately went against him, but he argued stoutly before being subdued and sent back to a cage with a more resisting flooring. For the time being the bear will remain in the old bear cages near the entrance gates, one compartment having been converted into a swimming bath of rather limited dimensions, certainly more limited than would make for an-ideal home for a youngster, let alone an adult polar bear, and far too small for the present bear and the mate, which will presumably, arrive some time later. The tank compartment, moreover, cannot be satisfactory as a permanency for the; reason that, as far as the public will see, the bear will make no great showing as a swimmer, in fact, if he grows to be a really big animal before he is

shifted, to larger quarters he will perforce spend a deal of his time as do non-swimmers at the seaside, just "bobbing," gaining thereby no great amount of exercise, and amusement, and not amusing those who watch him either, for that matter.

- Evening Post 13 February 1925

1926

September

3rd

Rumours circulate about an escaped lion from the Newtown Zoo. The Custodian of Newtown Park Mr L. Brewer advised that there was no foundation for it.

ESCAPED LION

A FOOLISH RUMOUR.

A rumour that a lion has escaped from the Wellington Zoo was current last night and this morning, but Mr. L. Brewer, custodian of Newtown Park, says there is no foundation for it. Last evening lie was inundated with telephone inquiries from anxious citizens, but how the rumour got around he is unable to say.

- Evening Post 3 September 1926