3-065-825 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new Rhinoceros in the Gardens of the Zoological Society, 1874. 'The Zoological Society have lately made an important addition to their living collection in the Regent's Park [in London], in the shape of a new rhinoceros, belonging to the species called by naturalists the Soudaic or Javan rhinoceros. In general appearance this animal nearly resembles the large Indian rhinoceros, or Rhinoceros unicornis of Linnaeus, and, like the latter, has but one horn on its nose. It is, however, readily distinguishable by its smaller size, its long prehensile upper lip, and the different arrangement of the folds of the strong heavy skin which covers the back. The present specimen, believed to be the only individual of the species ever brought alive to Europe, was for some time kept in captivity in some tea-gardens at Batavia, in Java. Having been purchased by the agents of some well-known dealers in animals, it was conveyed to this country, and ultimately transferred to the Zoological Society for the sum of £800. The Javan rhinoceros is of the male sex, and, though certainly by no means adult, is believed to have acquired nearly its full stature. It is lodged with its brethren and sisters of the same genus in the elephant-house in the middle garden'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.