3-078-136 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Great Bustards recently added to the Zoological Society's Gardens, 1890. 'The Zoological Society of London has recently added to its collection in the Regent's Park several fine specimens of the largest species of bustard, which in South Africa is of grand size, but rarely seen except in places remote from human habitations. The Otis Kori, found on the banks of the Gariep or Orange River, is four feet high, or even bigger, and has long wings, but seldom cares to fly, running with great swiftness, and using its wings to assist its course in running: it will, however, occasionally rise and skim along just above the ground. Its body is very bulky and heavy, abounding in fat, and the flesh of this bird is much esteemed as meat, its flavour being like that of a turkey. The natives of Africa are accustomed to catch the bustard in snares. They say that a single bustard is usually to be seen accompanying a herd of gazelles'. From "Illustrated London News", 1890.