Royal Zoological Society of NSW minute books, 1879-1971, and volume of newspaper clippings, 1925-1934

MLMSS 3705

fonds

1879-1971

Textual Records, Graphic Materials, Clippings

913338

Microfilm : MAV/FM6/83

16 volumes and 7 folders of textual material

The Society was formed in 1879 by Walter Bradley and Harry P. Mostyn. It was originally conceived as the NSW Acclimatisation Society, but this was amended to the NSW Zoological Society at its first meeting on 24th March, 1879. Many members felt the need for a zoological garden, and it was resolved in 1879 to write to the Mayor of Sydney with a request for land. This met with success on the 30th of June, 1879, when they were given seven acres at Moore Park, Sydney. In its formative years, the Society was plagued by financial difficulties. In 1909, permission was obtained from the Governor of NSW for the Society to add the prefix Royal to its title. As the Zoological Gardens at Moore Park grew, it became apparent that more land would be required. Due to its popularity, and the fact that is was unsuitable for expansion, a new site was chosen at Ashton Park, Sydney. This site became known as Taronga Zoological Park in 1912, when preparation for it began. Control of the zoo was handed over to the Taronga Zoological Park Trust in 1916. In 1917, the Society registered as an association under the Companies Act. The Society helped to shape the zoo's policy due to an overlapping membership with the Trust. In 1917, the first issue of the Australian Zoologist was published by the Society.

BOX 1
Detailed contents list compiled in Mitchell Library, 3 folios

BOXES 2-21
1. Minute Books, 1879-1971
With insertions, annual reports and constitution

BOXES 22-23
2. Primarily newspaper clippings and a few miscellaneous items, such as dinner tickets, 1925-1934

Information transferred from Manuscripts Leaf Catalogue No. 1 (1-323C) as part of the eRecords Project, 2010-2011