Hobart Zoo

Infobox zoo
zoo_name=Hobart Zoo
(also "Beaumaris Zoo")
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image_width=300px
image_caption=The gates to the old Beaumaris Zoo site. Some of the remains of the original zoo can be seen in the background on the right.
date_opened=1923
date_closed=1937
location=Hobart, Tasmania, AUS
area=2 hectares
coordinates=coord|42.8675|S|147.3334|E|type:landmark_region:AU-TAS
num_animals=
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The Hobart Zoo (also known as Beaumaris Zoo) was an old-fashioned style Zoological Gardens located on the Queens Domain in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. The Zoo's site is very close to the site of the Tasmanian Governor's House, and the Botanical Gardens. Although its location is now primarily the site of a Hobart City Council depot, some remnants, and archaeological remains of the original Zoo can still be seen.

The Hobart Zoo is most famous for being the location where footage of the last known living Tasmanian Tiger was taken in 1936. It died in captivity in Hobart Zoo on 7 September, 1936.

The Zoo was set in the surrounds of sweeping gardens, and had commanding views across the Derwent River.

The Hobart Zoo was originally part of a private collection and was known as Beaumaris Zoo. In 1923 the Hobart City Council acquired the Zoo, and removed it to a rehabilitated quarry site on the Queen's Domain. The Zoo was home to a wide variety of Australian, Tasmanian and other exotic species, and also housed bird aviaries. The collection included lions, monkeys, polar bears and elephants. The animals were not kept in natural enclosures as is the norm in modern zoos, but rather kept in bare concrete cages behind bars, although this was common practice during the period of the zoo's operation.

The Zoo was closed in 1937 due to severe financial problems, and the site was acquired by the Royal Australian Navy, and converted into a fuel storage depot for the nearby HMAS "Huon" shore base. The Navy used the site from 1943 until 1991, when it reverted to the Hobart City Council. They used it as a storage depot, but it is being converted into a wildlife rehabilitation and education centre.

Conservation plan

* Evans, Kathryn, (19967) "The Beaumaris Zoo site conservation plan" (Kathryn Evans & Michael D. Jones, Back-Tracks Heritage Consultants). Hobart, Tas. Hobart City Council (Project funded by: National Estate Grants Program).

External links

* http://www.aila.org.au/victoria/awards2001/beaumaris.htm