Thank you for reminding us Ara. I remember the event well but, of course, had not recorded the date. We might have to collaborate on "the book". [Should make Zoo_Boy happy!] Sir Edward Hallstrom was surely a man ahead of his time in many ways.
I probably shouldn't say this, because it will confirm what a few people think about me; but I have a sneaking admiration for the way that Sir Edward didn't let the petty rules of governments (State and Federal) stand in his way when he wanted to import any particular species from overseas, or when he wanted to export Australian animals which were in his possession. It almost got him done for smuggling, but he had enough money and clout to beat the rap.
That was not exactly what I meant when I said that he was ahead of his time! However, that was in a different era - before we were all effectively emasculated by socialistic political correctness and public service "nannies". And Sir Edward was not alone in his ability to "make things happen". The late, great Eric Worrell had similar talents!
Eric Worrell, eh? An interesting bloke; enjoyed a drink; did ground-breaking work in his field (reptiles); but didn't seem to have much time for the public, whom he regarded as a "necessary evil".
True. Enjoyed a drink or two might be even more accurate!!! The public might have been "necessary evils" but budding young naturalists were encouraged by him at all costs. He was a great influence on my early life but a book dealing with that period may have to be published as fiction! Some of the stories would make your hair stand on end. Our country needs more Eric Worrells.
Some black rhino news from the lates zoonews magazine. Bakhita the first and so far only female rhino to be born at Western Plains is herself pregnant. The father is Ibala. The magazine says she is due soon. There really is the need for more females to be born. Personally I think the breeding program for black rhinos has been a bit of a disapointment, as far as actual number of births go. From a total of six females there have been ten births from just four females. With just six surviving One of the females is responsible for at least four of the ten births and is the mother of Bakhita. Her genes are well represented The last birth was in 2005.
