CONCLUSION 
HE Cameroons trip was my last on behalf of the London Zoo, 
except for a voyage to Antwerp, in June, 1949, to collect an 
okapi. In order to comply with foot-and-mouth disease regula- 
tions in England, the animal was not allowed to touch Belgian 
soil on its way home from the Belgian Congo, so it had to be 
transferred by barge to the cross-Channel boat, which was berthed 
several miles away in the Scheldt. 
This okapi was the gift of the Government of the Belgian 
Congo and therefore the occasion demanded ceremony. In the 
committee-room of the Antwerp Zoological Gardens a select 
gathering of officials and consuls was present for the handing 
over, which was a delightful affair, and made less formal by the 
liberal flow of champagne. After the conclusion of the usual 
speeches I returned to England with the prize. 
Soon after my expedition to the Cameroons, Dr. Vevers, who 
had held the post of Superintendent to the Zoological Society for 
over twenty-five years, retired. His wide knowledge, generosity, 
and charm had endeared him to all who came into contact with 
him and his parting was a sad day for the menagerie staff, who 
held him in the highest esteem. 
About this time I was appointed Curator of Mammals and 
Birds. It was a job full of interest and I started in earnest on what 
I thought would be a happy future, with lots of friends and in 
close contact with a large menagerie, much of which I had helped 
to build up. 
My experience was wide and my memories rich. I could con- 
verse with visitors from overseas about the creatures of their own 
countries. On looking back, I could dwell with satisfaction on the 
collection of such remarkable creatures as the hoatzin, the Gray- 
necked Picathartes, and the aye-aye, and of having observed 
348 
SS 
