8 
The Ourang-utan set fire to her house by burning^ her 
bags and blankets, a thing she has often done before. Some 
visitor evidently had given her matches, probably to light 
her pipe. The building was partially destroyed, but fortunately 
she was rescued in time. She has now been in the Gardens 
for fifteen years, and is probably eighteen years old. A new 
house of cement is being erected for her, but the structure 
has to be very strong. 
Several old fences in the Deer paddock have been re¬ 
moved, and some of these enclosures have been made larger.' 
The compartments in which the larger Cranes are kept have 
had the wire fencing renewed. The building that was for¬ 
merly used for hatching Trout, opposite the Hippopotamus 
yard, has now been made into a shelter shed for visitors. 
The 3'oung male Hippopotamus is now about nine months 
old, and has grown well, but it will be some months yet before 
he is able to be separated from iiis mother. 
Man^" minor improvements have been carried out, such 
as removing old, unsighth" trees, and enlarging and making 
new flower beds, as well as planting trees for the purpose of 
shade. * 
The stand which is used by children to get on and off the 
Elephant has been enlarged and improved generally, and the 
adjoining track for the Motor Train renovated. 
The greatest need at the present time is improved build¬ 
ings for the animals, and a new Tea Room. IMans and 
estimates for these were submitted to the Government some 
years back, and were favourably received. I'hey await pro¬ 
mised financial support. 
The following-births have taken place during the year:— 
Macaque Monkey Rusa Deer 
Vervet Monkey Gre}^ Kangaroo 
Barasingha Deer Puma 
Red Deer Angora Goat 
Japanese Deer Coypu Rats 
Several W'allaby. as well as smaller native animals, such 
as Rat-Kangaroos, Opossums. &c. 
The Prairie Dogs from America, as well as an adult male 
\Vaj)iti Deer, one 'Fhar, and many native birds and animals, 
have been added to tlie collection during the year. 
In conclusion, the Council desires to thank those who 
have so kindly presented native animals and birds to the 
Gardens, and to express its appreciation of the services of the 
Director and Staff. 
