Title: Exotic Intruders

Author: Joan Druett

Publication details: Heinemann, 1983, Auckland

Digital publication kindly authorised by: Joan Druett

Part of: New Zealand Texts Collection

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Exotic Intruders

[thar]

Black and white photograph of a thar.

In 1904 the Duke of Bedford selected six Himalayan thar from his herd and presented them to the New Zealand Government. The Duke imported the parents of these thar from India in 1897, and the animals he sent to New Zealand were bred by him at Woburn Abbey.

The thar were carried on the s.s. Corinthic, under the care of the ship's butcher. Five arrived well and thriving; there had been some excitement on board, as the sixth thar had got loose and had been chased around all over the decks until it rushed over the side of the ship. The five survivors were quarantined on Soames Island, and then liberated in the Mount Cook district. They took to the mountains and thrived.

page 83
Thar taken in upper Carney's Creek, Rangitata River, showing the sort of landscape that these agile and sure-footed animals thrive in.

Thar taken in upper Carney's Creek, Rangitata River, showing the sort of landscape that these agile and sure-footed animals thrive in.

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