REMINISCENCES FROM THE MELBOURNE ZOO. 
171 
DONKEYS AND ZEBRAS 
MERRIWEE. 
The handsome little donkey that draws children about the gardens 
in his smart wicker cart possesses a most distinguished name, and has 
notions far above the average donkey. He was born on Melbourne Cup 
Day, 1899, and therefore was named after the winner of that Cup race. 
Pining for the Footlights. 
Merriwee. His name suits him admirably when he is before the public 
on the stage, for Merriwee has performed on almost every stage in Mel- 
bourne, and is quite at home behind the footlights. It is suspected that 
he has caught the stage fever, and would’ much prefer shining at night 
on the boards to drawing the humdrum cart by day in the gardens, 
but then who can blame him? If he is requisitioned for a play, he is 
treated as a star performer, is fed on the daintiest of food, and stabled 
