The zoological gardens of Europe, their history and chief features

Chapter 15: CHAPTER XI

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History - European Nature/Gardening/Animals

About This Book

A concise reference tour of major European zoological gardens that combines foundation histories with systematic on-site descriptions of layout, enclosures, species lists, and distinctive attractions. The author records guided walks around each institution, compares national practices in breeding and acclimatization, and stresses practical requirements such as fresh air and suitable housing for captive animals. The narrative interweaves documentary material, photographs, and correspondence from garden directors, and advances recommendations for improving public engagement and national efforts to breed and acclimatize wild species, while cataloguing the chief features of numerous continental and British establishments.

CHAPTER XI

JARDIN ZOOLOGIQUE, LIÈGE: DIRECTOR, M. HENRARD

This Garden belongs to the Royal Society of Acclimatation and Horticulture of Liège.

On entering (I saw nobody to pay), I found a number of poultry pens, the inmates being for sale. A large number of ducks and geese are also bred and sold, and two cages contained fox-terrier dogs for sale. There was a bear pit, which appeared to be empty, and a monkey-cage only half full; but look as I would all over the Garden, I could find no other animals.

The Garden is very long and very narrow, and has several large duck-ponds, many down the middle containing a few ducks and geese. There is a children’s playground with swings of various kinds, but this Garden can scarcely be called a zoological garden. There is a school of horticulture, a restaurant, and a band-stand.