Beaumaris Zoo

Base Timeline
1921

29 November 1921: Concern1 is raised on the future of the Beaumaris Zoo

Collection after the death of Mary Grant Roberts2
23 December 1921: Members of the Roberts family with A. L Butler and the
Trustees of the Hobart Museum meet with the Hobart City Reserves
Committee to discuss the offer of the Beaumaris Zoological Collection. The
Reserves Committee were to meet on 9 January 1922 to consider the proposal3

1922

10 January 1922: The Federal Government turns down the offer of the
Beaumaris Collection. Hobart City Council agrees to take the collection,
provided the Government puts up half of the costs of the funds required4 later

THE BEAUMARIS ZOO.

The death of Mrs. H. L Roberts is a clear loss to the community; how far that loss is to be reckoned
permanent and irreplaceable depends upon public opinion. On her own initiative, and at her own
expense, Mrs. Roberts established and maintained a zoological garden on a small scale, but quite
unique. Beginning without scientific training or any special knowledge, and taking the thing up as a
hobby, she, very soon gave to this collection of birds and animals a special and personal character. It
became known among scientific people oil through Australia and beyond, and was of eminence in the
scientific world were pleased to receive and to answer letter from Mrs. Roberta regarding the life habits
of Tasmanian fauna. The question now, which is of public importance, is whether this work is to die
with Mrs. Roberts. 'It cannot be expected that her executors will carry it, on for the public benefit, but
we have no doubt that they will give any possible help in any proposal that it he carried on for tie
public of Tasmania. Primarily we should say this is a matter in which the Royal Society should take the
lead,, and if it does so, support should not be lacking. The- Government and the City Council are both
concerned in what is a national work, and which also has a special Hobart interest. The work begun and
carried on by Mrs. Roberts is too big and important to be allowed to go by the board for lack of public
interest.- The Mercury 29 November 1921
2

In the south, the first zoo, established in 1895 in her home, Beaumaris, was Mrs Mary Roberts'
private menagerie of native mammals and exotic birds. A renowned zoo-keeper, she was the first to
successfully breed Tasmanian devils in captivity, and conducted a lucrative business exchanging native
animals with overseas zoos.
- From The Companion to Tasmanian History
- - Wendy Rimon
- http://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/Z/Zoos.htm
3
4

Article from The Mercury 24 December 1921 The Beaumaris Zoo

Article from The Advertiser 17 January 1922 Zoo going begging a question of upkeep

reports stated the Government had then offered a subsidy to the Hobart City
Council who would provide buildings and caretakers5
30 January 1922: The Reserves Committee reports to the Hobart City
Council on the issue of the Beaumaris Zoo Collection being transferred to
Council. Acceptance was dependant upon the Government provided the
Government would grant a subsidy of 250 per annum, authority had been
given for the payment of the cost of upkeep of the zoo in its present position
until such time as it was taken over by the Council.6
200 birds, marsupials and reptiles of varying species were listed in the
Beaumaris Collection7

The Western Argus 18 January 1922 Private Collectors Zoo

The Mercury 31 January 1922
7
The Mercury 17 January 1922 The Zoos Occupants
6