Negatives of views of Bristol and Paignton Zoos
Black and white and colour photographs, mainly of various zoos, including Frankfurt, Berlin, Jersey, Antwerp, Stuttgart, Bristol, Paignton, Thoiry, Ueno (Tokyo) and Singapore, as well as images of herpetological specimens in captivity
Correspondence between Alan Francis Brooke and Officers of the Zoological Society of London regarding his recent illness, kind enquiries from the Council of the Zoological Society of London, and Dr Richard Clarke of Bristol Zoo
Correspondence with Professor J E Harris of the Department of Zoology at the University of Bristol regarding the position of Prosector at the Zoological Society of London
Letter from Bristol Zoological Society to Geoffrey Marr Vevers regarding any animals or birds from East Africa which may be available
Correspondence between Bristol Zoo and Geoffrey Marr Vevers regarding a collection from Philadelphia for the Zoological Society of London, a pair of Husky Dogs for Bristol Zoo, the transfer of surplus animals from Alabi, By-Laws of the Zoological Society of London, import licences, a shipment of raccoons, a Duiker onboard Ocean Fame for the Zoological Society of London, an order for a pair of Sea Lions, information on staff salary scales, a Serval Cat donated by Manchester Zoo and pathological information regarding primary amyloidosis
Letter to Professor H Heller of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Bristol regarding meetings to discuss comparative endocrinology
Not the first Gibbon
[JES?}
Bristol & Clifton Zoological Gardens
Oct 23 1839
Sir
You will most probably have heard that we have had in our collection for several months a very fine specimen of the Active Gibbon of Ungka-Puti, Hylobates Agilis of Fred. Cuvier and I am instructed by the Committee to inform you that it is their intention to dispose of it. In offering for sale an animal so unique it will necessarily be expected that I should state with the utmost candour the reasons which have induced the Committee to pass the above resolution - I shall not therefore conceal from you that the late unprecedented wet Summer has been the means of reducing the Society's finances [& that?] though this may be of a very temporary nature, they consider that the present position of the Society will justify them in their determination - a second reason is the want of a commodious apartment or building for the animal during the Winter, we have none of sufficient size for exercise, seems essential [?] habits and disposition - this I believe you would not find a difficulty in your ample buildings - with regard to her health, I sincerely believe that I am borne out in saying that she is in the highest state of health and condition and that her appearance will at once satisfy any competent person that such is the case - She is known to be at least five years old having acquired these years in a country contiguous to her own and often in snow and icy cold weather exposed in a Tree in confinement it is considered to be more in her favour than if she was [younger?]. As it is thought impossible that the attractive powers of this extraordinary rarity can be justly appreciated without a personal inspection I am to say that should the Society feel disposed to enter into negotiations with is for the purchase of it, our Committee would consider it a favour if some confidential person were to be sent to Bristol for the purpose. I am to say that until we have heard from you in reply the Committee do not intend to make public their intention to part with this Animal and it is offered to you first as the principal [?] Society and in the full confidence that if you should consider it advantageous to add it to your collection, we shall meet with that liberal treatment and conduct in the negotiation that has always guided the transactions of [your?] Society.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Your obedient Servant
William Martin
Hon Secy