Abstract Extract THE only references in New Zealand literature which indicate veterinary interest in zoological establishments are descriptions of the role of the veterinarian in such establishments (Roach, 1952 Roach, R. W. 1952. The role of the veterinarian in zoological collections. N.Z.vet. J., 1: 154–159. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and an experience with circus elephants (Anderson, 1968 Anderson, I. L. 1968. Tutu poisoning in two circus elephants. N.Z. vet. J., 16: 146–147. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).