Melbourne’s Zoological Gardens opened on 6 October 1862 — and since its inception, it has received donations of animals from all over the state, nation and even abroad. A ‘Register of Animals Received at Zoological Gardens 1898-1928’ is held at the Public Record Office Victoria — and although there were no animals received by residents of Yackandandah during that time, the following local entries exist:
- A porcupine presented by Maurice Griffin, Beechworth on Oct 9 1913
- A Kangaroo presented by Mr Enright, Chiltern in October 1916
- Two white rabbits presented by Mrs A S Mackenzie, Barnawartha, on April 4 1922
Not as exotic as the Tasmanian Tigers, Elephants, Monkeys, Himalayan Bears, Arabian Baboons and Striped Hyenas listed in the register…but, you work with what you have!
Yackandandah Museum 