Head of green mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni). This snake spends much time in shrubbery and small trees but is equally at home on the ground where its speed and agility make it difficult and dangerous to try to capture. One of the keepers at the University of Ibadan Zoo was once bitten by a green mamba when travelling from Lagos and undoubtedly would have died had we not had the correct antivenom available. Ibadan, June 1964.
Fangs of green mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni). The fangs of the mambas and cobras are fixed (immovable), unlike those of the vipers which are hinged (see a viper's fangs on page 6 of this section). The fangs are hollow and deliver a neurotoxic venom. The speed of the mamba and the toxicity of its venom make it a very dangerous snake, including to humans. Ibadan, 1968.
Green mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni). Killed on the University of Ibadan campus and then cut open to reveal its most recent meal - a black rat. February 1968.
Eggs of green mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni). Brought to the Zoo by local resident in Ibadan on 10 April 1965 and hatched successfully on 1 May.
Egyptian cobra (Naja haje). Brought to Ibadan from northern Nigeria by a Hausa snake 'charmer'. Precise area of origin unknown. February 1965.
Rear view of head and hood of Egyptian cobra (Naja haje). Brought to Ibadan from northern Nigeria by a Hausa snake 'charmer'. Precise area of origin unknown. February 1965.
It was interesting that this Egyptian cobra did not bite its handler. Closer inspection revealed that the snake's fangs had been removed. February 1965.
Twig snake (Thelotornis kirtlandi). This is a back-fanged snake. Ibadan, May 1967.
Twig snake (Thelotornis kirtlandi). This is a back-fanged snake. Ibadan, May 1967.
Head and tongue of twig snake (Thelotornis kirtlandi). The snake is said to flicker its black and red tongue in order to attract prey such as lizards. The primary function of a snake's forked tongue is to collect minute chemical particles from the air. When the tongue is withdrawn back into the mouth, each of the two 'prongs' comes into contact with a patch of sensory cells on the roof of the mouth called the Jacobson's organ. Sensory messages are then sent to the brain. Ibadan, May 1967.
African beauty snake (Psammophis sibilans). Ibadan, January 1965. This is a back-fanged species.
Egg of African beauty snake (Psammophis sibilans) hatching. Ibadan, March 1968. This was one of a clutch of eggs. Note that the young snake's egg tooth first slits the soft shell before the snake emerges.
Very young African beauty snake (Psammophis sibilans). Ibadan, May 1964.
Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Bafut area of Cameroon, May 1966. This is another back-fanged species.
Closer view of Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Bafut area of Cameroon, May 1966.
Showing boomslang (Dispholidus typus) inflating the throat when threatened. Bafut area of Cameroon, May 1966.
This back-fanged snake (Boiga pulverulenta) appears to have no common name. Ibadan, November 1964.
Head of Boiga pulverulenta. Ibadan, November 1964.
Unidentified frog (dead) having apparently attempted to swallow an emerald snake (also dead). The frog presumably died from internal injuries caused by the violent movements of the snake. The snake, Gastropyxis smaragdina, is non-venomous and presumably died from asphyxiation. Ibadan, July 1965.
Emerald snake (Gastropyxis smaragdina). Ibadan, November 1964. A non-venomous species.
Emerald snake (Gastropyxis smaragdina) eating an agama lizard. Ibadan, July 1965.
Head of emerald snake (Gastropyxis smaragdina). Ibadan, November 1964.
Smyth's water snake (Grayia smythii). Ibadan, January 1968. A non-venomous species.
Head of Smyth's water snake (Grayia smythii). Ibadan, January 1968.
Eggs of Smyth's water snake (Grayia smythii). Ibadan, February 1970.
We encouraged school parties to the Zoo by giving talks and allowing the children to get close to the animals. Here keeper Nicholas Eze is showing the children a royal python.
These zoo visitors are absolutely fascinated as they watch chamaeleons using their long tongues to catch grasshoppers.
As a first attempt to show reptiles to visitors more effectively and attractively, I built a circular, walled anclosure in 1964 where several species of snake could be kept together and viewed safely from across the top of the wall. This exhibit was a big success with visitors.
Zoo visitor with royal python (Python regius). July 1969.
Another visitor handles a royal python. It was noticeable over the years how many regular visitors to the Zoo lost their fear of snakes and asked us to let them handle one. The royal python as a species was ideal for this purpose.
Green tree viper (Atheris sp.). Bafut, Cameroon, February 1965.
Rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis). This viper is well camouflaged when resting on leaves and other vegetation. Bafut, Cameroon, March 1965.
Head of rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis). The 'horns' on the snout are enlarged scales. 1965.
Burrowing viper (Atractaspis sp.). These small vipers live mainly underground and feed on small mammals and lizards. Bafut, Cameroon, March 1965.
1. This and the four following images are of eggs of an emerald snake (Gastropyxis smaragdina) hatching. Ibadan, March 1967. Here the first few slits can be seen in the egg shell; these are made by the young snake using an egg tooth at the front of its mouth.
2. The front of the head of the hatchling is just visible. Snakes lay eggs that have leathery shells and which often adhere to each other to form a clump.
4. The entire head is now visible. Usually all the snakes within the same egg clump hatch at around the same time.
5. Slowly the young snake emerges. This is a non-venomous species.
3. Another view. Each egg is just under 30mm long. Once free of the egg shell and membranes, the young snakes move away and soon start to feed.
Young Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus). Ibadan area, May 1964.
Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica). Ibadan area, April 1965.
Newly hatched forest hinged tortoise (Kinixys homeana) with unhatched egg. Southern Nigeria, 3 May 1967.
Fernand's or fire skink (Lepidothyris (Riopa) fernandi). Bafut, Cameroon, 1965.
1. This and the following eight photographs show the entire process of an egg eating snake (Dasypeltis scabra) eating an egg at the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, 1966. Here the snake is examining a hen's egg placed in its vivarium.
2. The snake opens its jaws to engulf the egg.
3. The movements of the lower jaw and then the body muscles draw the egg back into the gullet.
4. The teeth of the egg eating are greatly reduced. In the gullet area a number of bony projections from the vertebrae pierce the egg shell, aided by the snake squeezing and constricting the egg using the powerful muscles in its body wall.
5. As the snake constricts the gullet area, the egg shell collapses and the egg contents are awallowed.
6. Under continued pressure, the egg shell folds and is compacted into a number of longitudinal sections.
7. The snake prepares to eject the egg shell.
8. The shell starts to move forward and out.
9. Operation over! The snake will now find a quiet resting place where it can digest its meal...END OF EGG EATING SNAKE SEQUENCE.
It wasn't until the early 1970s that funds became available for a new reptile house. After consultations with the University's Chief Engineer and his colleagues, we agreed that we could kill two birds with one stone by partly demolishing the unwanted old zoo building above and reconstructing it to meet the special requirements of a reptile house.
Demolition work commenced in 1974. The area shown above is where an open crocodile exhibit with pool was to be constructed, at one end of the main reptile building. We were careful to preserve as many shade-giving trees as possible. The new ape building can be seen in the background. June 1974.
Some of the structures of the old building were to be retained and incorporated into the new development. An enclosed (though cool) public viewing corridor was to be constructed around the building, separated from the individual reptile exhibits in the central area by glass panels. June 1974.
The new crocodile exhibit about a year after completion. The enclosure is open to the weather but the crocs have access to the pool or shade at all times. Visitore are provided with shelter from sun or rain by the covered walkway around the pool.
Mostly Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in their new enclosure. There is also a narrow-snouted crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus), second back from the pool on the right. (THE REPTILE HOUSE STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 4)
Unfortunately, I have few photographs taken inside the new reptile house but, as in this picture, all display units were exposed to the weather by providing part-meshed tops.
Natural light made it easy to grow plants within the display units, each of which was viewed through glass by visitors in the viewing area on the other side.
We allowed the building with its new occupants to settle down for some time, then we decided that the reptile house should have an official opening. This took place on 30 January 1978. Above is the head table where the main speakers at the ceremony were seated.
Attending the ceremony were the University's Vice Chancellor (speaking here), the Dean of Science and many other members of the academic and administrative staff. A very notable and welcome guest was the Orangun of Ila, a prominent Yoruba Chief, who was accompanied by a Police guard.
Also attending were the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria and his wife.
After the speeches and the cutting of the tape by the Orangun of Ila to pronounce the reptile house officially open, we all headed to the refreshments table for a beer and a chat. The new reptile house proved very popular with the visiting public. By 1979 the Zoo was receiving nearly a quarter of a million paying visitors each year, more than any other public attraction of any kind in Nigeria.
Professor Desmond Hill, the Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, and his wife, were unable to attend the ceremony for an unforseen reason. However, he sent me the above note. (THIS IS THE END OF THE SEQUENCE ABOUT THE NEW REPTILE HOUSE)
We are now in Cameroon, specifically the Bafut area of the Bamenda Highlands. The trees in the foreground obscure a deep, narrow valley at the bottom of which runs a clear, cool stream. March 1965.
The stream and its banks at the bottom of the valley, running through areas of deep shade, provide the perfect habitat for the astonishing hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus). March 1965.
Hairy frog (Trichobatrachus robustus), almost certainly a female. I had formal, written permission from the relevant Cameroon Government Department to collect a small number of these frogs and take them back overland to the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. February 1965.
I had learned from previous trips to Cameroon that hairy frogs, once removed from their cool natural habitat, do not travel well and seem intolerant of the higher temperatures in the lowland forest areas. The above specimens are preserved. The smaller female is on the left. Note the 'hairs' on the flanks and thighs of the male. March 1965.
The 'hairs' which give this frog its name can be seen in the male on the lower left. They are only found in breeding males and are actually outgrowths of skin called dermal papillae which are packed with blood vessels. They are thought to increase the capacity of the males to absorb oxygen when they spend extensive periods in the water with the eggs after they have been laid by the female. March 1965.
The dermal papillae can be seen particularly well in this male hairy frog. Apart from interest in this frog from researchers in the Department of Zoology at the University of Ibadan, I had been asked by an American researcher to try to obtain specimens, so it didn't matter so much that some of the frogs reached Ibadan in a preserved state. March 1965.
This is the back foot of a hairy frog. As a defence mechanism, a threatened or struggling hairy frog actually breaks its toe bones which then puncture and protrude through the toe pads as bony claws with which the animal defends itself. March 1965.
Another interesting amphibian in Cameroon was the African giant toad (Amietophrynus superciliaris). Again, I had formal permission to obtain a small number. This toad seemed reasonably common in the Bafut area and seemed to be found mainly within the farmed and forested areas. March 1965.
A shot to give some idea of size, although this specimen is not fully grown. This toad feeds on small rodents as well as a wide range of invertebrates. March 1965.
The shape, colours and markings of the African giant toad provide excellent camouflage, particularly when among fallen leaves. March 1965.
See if you can find it here...... March 1965.
Professor Robert Oldham, ex Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, has kindly identified this frog as a mottled burrowing frog (Hemiscus marmoratus). It lays its eggs in a terrestrial burrow near water. The female sits with the eggs until they hatch and then makes a tunnel in the soil down which the tadpoles travel to the water. Ibadan, 16 March 1964.
Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus). March 1966.
Graceful chamaeleon (Chamaeleo gracilis). Ibadan, January 1964.
Young chamaeleon, possibly C. gracilis. Ibadan, January 1964.
Worm snake (Leptotyphlops sp.). This snake was brought to me in Ibadan in 1974 and as far as I could ascertain had been taken in the Ibadan area. These snakes are rarely seen as they seldom come above ground, at least by day. The single egg was laid a few days after its arrival. See next photo....
Showing the size of the Leptotyphlops egg in the previous photo. Ibadan area, 1974.
I am holding a black cobra (Naja melanoleuca) that was captured and killed on the University of Ibadan campus, 11 October 1972. It measured 8 ft. 4 in. in length and weighed 8 lb. 1 oz.
Closer view of the same black cobra. University of Ibadan campus, 11 October 1972.
Showing the fangs of the black cobra. Note that the fangs in this group of venomous snakes are fixed, ie. they cannot hinge and fold back as they do in the vipers etc. University of Ibadan campus, 11 October 1972.
During the chase of this black cobra before it was killed, it regurgitated these bird eggs, the identity of which was uncertain. University of Ibadan campus, 11 October 1972.
African python (Python sebae) in the open snake enclosure in the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan. March 1965.
For me this is a tragic photograph - the last photo of my Burmese python which developed inoperable mouth cancer. It was euthanased later that day. I have its skeleton at my home in Bristol. Early 1975.
Royal pythons (Python regius) mating. Zoological Garden, 1977.
Royal python (Python regius) eggs. Zoological Garden, 13 March 1966.
Green tree snake (Philothamnus irregularis). This non-venomous species feeds on frogs, lizards and perhaps fish. Ibadan, May 1964.
Juvenile green tree snake (Philothamnus irregularis). Ibadan, February 1965.
Green tree snake (Philothamnus irregularis) displaying when threatened. Ibadan, May 1964.
The black tree snake (Thrasops occidentalis) is non-venomous and is found in forested areas. By filling its lungs and air sacs with air, the snake here has inflated the front third of its body in response to the 'threat' from the photographer, thus making it appear thicker and larger than it normally is. Ibadan, October 1963.
The juvenile black tree snake (Thrasops occidentalis) has very different colours and markings from the adult - it probably reaches maturity when around two to three years old. This species feeds on a range of small vertebrates. Ibadan, 1 December 1964.
The harmless house snake (Boaedon virgatus) is often found in houses and other buildings. Ibadan, April 1964.
After corresponding internationally with several herpetologists, for whose input I am most grateful, this snake has been identified as Meizodon regularis, a back-fanged forest species. It has been stated, however, that the taxonomic separation of M. coronatus and regularis is not satisfactory. This specimen was found on the University of Ibadan campus, Nigeria, in May 1967; it is a young snake, hence the conspicuous markings with their strong colour contrasts.
The file snake (Mehelya poensis) is so named because of the distinctive shape, in cross section, that resembles a triangular file. This snake feeds on other snakes as well as lizards and frogs. Ibadan, 20 February 1965.
The small royal python around the neck of this visitor to the Zoo rather appropriately complements her head-dress. Zoological Garden, 1967.
An immature agama lizard (Agama agama). This lizard is found over much of Nigeria, and particularly so around human habitations where it finds hiding places and food in the form of small invertebrates - some of the latter also attracted by human activities. Dominant males are part red and blue in colour. Although I have used the above scientific name, it seems that the taxonomy of the genus Agama is currently under review. Ibadan, May 1964.
Night adder (Causus rhombeatus). This snake is relatively common in the Ibadan area. Most specimens I saw were somewhere between 1.5 and 2 feet in length. It seems to feed to a large extent on toads. Its venom is regarded as one of the least dangerous of the vipers. Ibadan, December 1964.
Head of night adder (Causus rhombeatus). Ibadan, December 1964.
The carpet viper (Echis carinatus) is another rather small viper, probably not exceeding 3 feet in length. It is found in drier areas north of the forest zone and its venomous bite is particularly dangerous. This snake has strongly keeled scales and is also known as the saw-scaled viper. This specimen was brought from northern Nigeria, but the precise location was unknown. 1965.
Hinged tortoise (Kinixys belliana). These tortoises are so called because of the hinged carapace which can close at the back to protect the back feet and rear end generally. In Nigeria this species seems to be distributed mainly in the drier areas to the north, while K. homeana is found further south. March 1964.
This is a Lygodactylus gecko, probably L. conraui. These geckos are diurnal and this specimen was 6cm in total length. Note what appear to be red-coloured mites on the back, above the front legs. Ibadan, November 1963.
African toad (Bufo regularis). These toads seemed relatively common on the University of Ibadan campus and, particularly at the start of the rainy season around March or April, could be heard calling at night from water-filled ditches and ponds as they commenced breeding activity. Ibadan, May 1964.
Savannah or Bosc's monitor (Varanus exanthematicus). This monitor is found over much of northern Nigeria and grows to a length of three to four feet. It feeds on a variety of invertebrates such as locusts, scorpions and millipedes. Its powerful limbs and sharp claws enable this monitor to dig very effectively. The precise area of origin of this specimen was unknown. April 1964.
This rather extraordinary photograph shows a house snake (Boaedon virgatus) that had eaten an agama lizard and then died, presumably for one or more reasons arising from the prey being too large. Note that the skin of the snake has split. The cause of death may have been suffocation due to the snake's airways being compressed, or possibly the agama inflicted lethal internal injuries. Zoological Garden, January 1967.
Showing fangs of rhinoceros viper (Bitis nasicornis). The vipers have the most highly developed venom delivery system of all snakes. The venom glands are located below and behind the eyes and the venom is carried by a duct on each side to the base of the fangs. The hollow fang resembles a hypodermic needle. The fangs are attached to a system of hinged bones which allow the fangs to become erect and deliver the venom with great efficiency when the snake strikes and bites. 1965.
The zoo keepers, from different areas of southern Nigeria, provided the expertise and dedication without which the Zoological Garden would not have been the success that it was. From the left they are Michael Iyoha, Fred Inanga, Anthony Akhiale, Dickson Osagie, Augustine Udoh, Thomas Popoola, Daniel Osula (Head Keeper), Victor Babarinde, Nicholas Eze, and Nosiru Sadiku. Photo 1978. Wherever you are now, thank you. I remember you all with affection and gratitude. Bob Golding, Bristol, UK, 2012.
People and Places in West Africa
Click photo for larger view.
This woman smokes a pipe while taking a break from working on her farm outside Eshobi village, Cameroon. 1966.
Young boy with talking drum, near Oke-Iho, Nigeria. 1968.
Boys outside Susanne Wenger’s house in Osogbo, Nigeria. Susanne Wenger was a German woman who documented and practised the Sango cult and lived in Nigeria for many years. 1977.
Royal musicians of the Emir of Katsina performing at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 1963.
The Orangun of Ila, a traditional Yoruba king, at his palace in Ila, southwestern Nigeria. 1972. (For more information click on above button "Kings, Pythons and Other Tales", then item 1).
Here I have travelled to Ila to greet my friend the Orangun and to discuss a visit he was planning to make to Ibadan. 1972. (For more information click on above button "Kings, Pythons and Other Tales", then item 1).
This man passed by one day when I was in the bush near Ogbomoso, southwestern Nigeria. 1966.
I took this rare photo in November 1963 on the University of Ibadan campus. Left is Prof Kenneth Dike, the first Nigerian Vice-Chancellor of the University. With him is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Nigerian Prime Minister, who was on campus for his installation as Chancellor of the University. Balewa was killed during the first military coup in February 1966; Dike returned to eastern Nigeria at the start of the Biafran war.
Masquerade in street. The masquerade can entertain, commend achievers, chastise evil-doers, bring messages of hope or peace, or mourn the dead. Ila, southwestern Nigeria. 1972.
This man brought the mona monkey for sale to the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan. The monkey had been raised by its owner from a youngster and was completely tame. 1965.
Market scene, Ibadan, Nigeria. 1965.
Market scene, Ibadan, Nigeria. 1965.
Market scene, Ibadan, Nigeria. 1965.
Market scene, Ibadan, Nigeria. 1965.
Pounding yam, Ilesha, southwestern Nigeria. 1965
Decorative carving of calabash in Oyo, southwestern Nigeria. 1977. (See page 2 for further reference to calabashes).
This young woman was washing clothes in the Cross River, Mamfe, Cameroon. April 1966.
An Aku woman, pictured in Wum market, Cameroon. April 1966.
The Fon of Bafut standing in front of what he called his Father's House. The Fon was a powerful regional chief. Bafut, Cameroon, February 1965.
A view from the top of the Bamenda escarpment, Cameroon, at 6.30am. February 1965.
At Mamfe, Cameroon, the Cross River widens out to include a substantial shingle beach. These waters and the surrounding forest were home to several hippos. February 1965.
During a trip to Mamfe the following year I found that a hippo had been shot and killed in the Cross River and its meat was being cut up and distributed to a large crowd of people. April 1966.
This large metal ball was cut out of the dead hippo's flesh and had presumably been fired by what was called a Dane gun. Maybe several of these missiles had been fired to kill the animal. April 1966.
Large piles of hippo meat were stacked up as the animal was butchered. The meat was eventually cut up further and carried away by the local people, usually in containers supported on the head. I had no idea of the legitimacy or legality of what was going on, but there seemed to be no officials there or anyone else who tried to interfere in what was happening. April 1966.
Fisherman mending his nets. Cross River, Mamfe, Cameroon. February 1965.
Man and canoe. River Niger, near Foge Island, Nigeria, May 1968. Foge Island was soon to be submerged by the construction of the Kainji Dam and the creation of Kainji Lake.
Woman and baby. Foge Island, Nigeria, May 1968. Foge Island was soon to be submerged by the construction of the Kainji Dam and the creation of Kainji Lake.
Constructing new huts or houses in the village of Kouande-Guessou, Republic of Benin, 30 March 1964. Benin, or Dahomey as it was then called, lies to the west of Nigeria.
This photo was taken in the villlage at one of the police border posts between Nigeria and Benin, or Dahomey as it was then called. 27 March 1964.
These fruits are commonly known as calabashes. Several species of 'calabash plant' are grown in Nigeria and probably much of Africa, and they all belong to the Family Cucurbitaceae. When dry, and with the seeds and internal tissues removed, they are used for carrying a range of items, including liquids such as water or milk. They are also used for decorative carving. The calabashes above were growing in Oyo, south western Nigeria, 1965.
In April 1966 as I was driving to Cameroon from Ibadan, I passed through the village of Abakaliki in southeastern Nigeria. A major ceremony of some sort was in progress, with some incredible dancing taking place. We stopped and were allowed to take photographs but the exact nature of the ceremony was not explained to us.
This is the same ceremony as in the previous photo. Note the man seated on the left - he is playing a whistle or wind instrument of some sort. April 1966.
I encountered this man during a 2-hour trek from Mamfe to Eshobi in Cameroon, an area of quite remote rain forest. The instrument he was playing produced some beautiful sounds. April 1966.
The zoology students at the University of Ibadan spent a few days observing animals in the Nigerian 'bush' each year. Occasionally the Zoological Garden became involved in these trips. Above I have joined a group of students on a visit to the Borgu Game Reserve - and in that sun I soon put my shirt back on! Early 1974.
While walking on farmland north of Ibadan I nearly stepped on this trap. Fortunately for me the pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) had got there first or my foot might have been badly injured by the metal spikes that must have killed the rat instantly. The meat of this rat is eaten. May 1970.
Having spent a year or more developing in its human host's body, this parasitic guinea worm (Dracunculus medinensis) emerges from its host's foot. This worm can grow up to 3 feet long. Attempts to eradicate this parasite seem to be proceeding well. Ibadan area, 1967.
This woman was cultivating onions near the side of the Ibadan-Ilorin road. The pot contained cow faeces and water, used as a fertiliser. 6 February 1966.
This fist-sized structure is probably the white basket fungus (Ileodictyon cibarium). It was growing on a low, moist bank at the side of the road. Ibadan area, Nigeria, May 1965. This fungus is found in Australia and New Zealand but is thought likely to occur in other countries. Is this the first record from West Africa? Any further information would be valued. My thanks to Eileen Abiose for her assistance with identification.
A professional Yoruba woman dressed in a typical Yoruba outfit. The predominant ethnic group of the Ibadan area is Yoruba. University of Ibadan, 1970.
On a trip to the Upper Ogun Game Reserve in Nigeria we came across the partly dug out nest of a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) near the banks of the River Ogun. 1973.
As the exposed eggs were (surprisingly) unbroken, I placed them back with the other eggs in the underground nest and packed sand around them. We left soon after and there was no way of knowing if the eggs eventually hatched successfully. 1973.
During a trip to northern Nigeria, I tried my hand at camel riding. This was at the Bagauda Lake Hotel, near Kano, October 1974. In retrospect I was thoroughly foolish to expose myself to so much hot sunshine and now check myself regularly for possible skin cancers...
This three-legged bull is missing its left front leg, presumably from birth, but seemed to be the object of some affection from the local people. Kano area, June 1968.
Taken at Lokoja, Nigeria, at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, where there was a commercial ferry across the river. This scene is on the east bank of the river. January 1973.
Also taken at Lokoja, this small girl was carrying a large bowl of water but seemed to have lost her companions in the busy crowds milling around the approach to the river ferry - east bank. January 1973.
Nembe dancers, from the River Niger Delta area, performing at the University of Ibadan campus, 1968.
A view of the River Niger from Jebba Bridge, December 1963.
A village near Jebba, on the River Niger, December 1963.
Mosque at Kano, December 1963.
Dying cloth at Kano, December 1963.
While driving between Bauchi and Jos in northern Nigeria, my two companions and I needed a break and parked our vehicle at the side of the road. After a few minutes these women appeared out of the scrub and grassland behind us. We had no common language and could only attempt to communicate by gesture. The women may have been tending farms nearby. December 1963.
The market in what was then called Fort-Lamy, the capital of the Republic of Chad, a landlocked country that extends into the Sahara to the north. The city was renamed N'Djamena in 1973. Christmas Day, 1963.
Boy with small ray at Bar Beach, Lagos, 23 May 1964.
Dugbe market, Ibadan, July 1964.
Dancers performing at the University of Ibadan campus on the occasion of the visit from President Senghor of Senegal. April 1964.
Buying yams in a village near Benin in the south central area of Nigeria. Yams are a staple food in Nigeria, as in much of the tropical world. June 1979.
These people are collecting the fallen fruits of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). This plant is indigenous to West Africa but is now grown in other areas of the world for its oils that are used for cooking and other purposes. This photo was taken on the Bamenda to Mamfe road, Cameroon, in a forested area just outside Mamfe. April 1966.
Smoked and dried fruit bats, although which species was not clear. They were on sale in a Bafut market, Cameroon, along with many other local foods. April 1966.
Street corn seller, Osogbo, southwestern Nigeria. 1977.
PICATHARTES 1. This and the next 11 images tell of my search in April 1966 for the little-known grey-necked rockfowl (Picathartes oreas), see above. The Director of Antwerp Zoo asked if I would go to Cameroon and try to assess the status of this bird and, if appropriate, capture a few specimens for Antwerp Zoo.
PICATHARTES 2. I contacted the Cameroon Government forestry officials who were very helpful and granted me a permit to capture a small number of Picathartes. I set off overland from Ibadan with a driver and a colleague from the University of Ibadan, Martin Henley. We made our base in Mamfe, Cameroon. The photo shows the Cross River at Mamfe where we hired a canoe to take us across.
PICATHARTES 3. Our destination was a small village called Eshobi, which was an arduous 5 mile trek through closed-canopy primary rainforest. I had been to Eshobi before, with Gerald Durrell in 1957, and knew that Picathartes was to be found in the area. In the photo above we had just arrived in Eshobi.
PICATHARTES 4. I was surprised by how many people in Eshobi remembered me from my previous visit. I was particularly pleased to see Elias, a senior member of the community and a highly experienced hunter. However, I had to be introduced to the younger citizens of the village....
PICATHARTES 5. We had only a few days available to spend in the area so we soon got together to plan our search for Picathartes, or 'Senen-Ntie' (bird of the stone), in the local language.
PICATHARTES 6. We set off from Eshobi to where Elias (centre standing) knew were areas of elevated and exposed rock-face deep in the forest. It is on these dry rock-faces that Picathartes builds its mud and fibre nest.
PICATHARTES 7. One of Elias' helpers was carrying a ladder that we could place aginst a rock-face, enabling us (hopefully) to climb up to inspect any Picathartes nests we might find.
PICATHARTES 8. It was extremely hot and humid in the forest. Insects bit and bothered us almost continuously - the tropical rain forest is NOT a comfortable place to spend time in.
PICATHARTES 9. Eventually we came to large areas of exposed rock-face along a ridge within the forest. To give some idea of scale, this photo includes my colleague Martin and Elias.
PICATHARTES 10. I am pointing to a Picathartes nest built on the rock-face. I believe these photographs of nests of Picathartes oreas are probably the first ever taken.
PICATHARTES 11. Another nest - taken from a ladder. Elias told us that the breeding season for Picathartes is around August, hence the absence of eggs or chicks in April.
PICATHARTES 12. Our time in Eshobi was soon up. For a fuller account of this Picathartes search, click on 'Zoo Publications...' then 'To the Forests of Cameroon'. END OF SEQUENCE
We left Mamfe, our next destination being the Bamenda Highlands, still in Cameroon. Here I am on the Mamfe to Bamenda road, still in the lowland forest zone. April 1966.
From Bamenda we drove to Bafut where I met again my friend the Fon of Bafut, made famous by Gerald Durrell's books. Here we are in the Fon's compound at Bafut. April 1966.
A closer shot of the Fon. This Fon is now dead, and I understand one of his sons has taken over from him. I remember 'my' Fon as a kind and gentle man who was always helpful. April 1966.
Scene near the Bamenda to Wum road. The Bamenda Highlands of Cameroon consist largely of grass and montane forest. April 1966.
An Aku boy tending his cattle. Wum area, Cameroon, April 1966.
Aku boy. Wum area, Cameroon, April 1966.
Aku woman. Wum market, Cameroon, April 1966.
Here, I am several miles north of Wum, trying to trace a python that local hunters assured me was to be found nearby. But....it was nowhere to be seen. April 1966.
1. Osun-Osogbo is one of the sacred forests of the Yoruba people and is located near Osogbo in southwestern Nigeria. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The forest is full of shrines and sanctuaries, with special emphasis on Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility. The artefacts/structures in these photos are not always easy for an outsider to interpret. The one above is a shrine to Osun. All 5 photos here were taken in 1978.
2. Osun-Osogbo is one of the last remaining Yoruba sacred forests. The photo above is the Ogboni house, the Ogboni being a fraternal secret society of the Yoruba-speaking peoples.
3. Sango, the Yoruba god of thunder and lightning. Some of the early work of rebuilding the shrines was done by an Austrian artist, Susanne Wenger, who was made a Yoruba high priestess. She died in 2009.
4. Ontoto figure. Many Yorubas visit Osun-Osogbo and its sacred groves, particularly during the festivals, viewing it as a symbol of cultural identity.
5. Ontoto shrine. My thanks to James Gibbs, ex English Department, University of Ibadan, for his helpful comments on these images from Osun-Osogbo. END OF SEQUENCE
In early 1977 Nigeria hosted the 2nd world Festival of Black and African Arts (FESTAC). Artists and performers arrived in Nigeria from all over the world. As part of FESTAC, a Durbar festival was held in Kaduna, northern Nigeria - see above. February 1977.
The Durbar goes back hundreds of year, to the days when the Emirate used horses in warfare. Today the Durbar honours, for example, important guests and is also held at great Muslim festivals. The festival begins with groups of horsemen racing towards the Emir at full gallop. They approach very close to the Emir, then stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords. FESTAC, Kaduna, February 1977.
Camels were used by some participants in the festival. FESTAC, Kaduna, February 1977.
Now for a few 'creepy crawlies' often encountered in West Africa. This impressive-looking invertebrate is a millipede, possibly Pachybolus ligulatus or a Spirostreptus species. It spends much of its time hidden in leaf mould or other decomposing vegetation. Ibadan, 1965.
The praying mantis (Sphodromantis lineola) is well camouflaged when among plant foliage. It grabs its prey with its specially adapted front legs. However, note that this individual has only one normal front leg, the other being malformed, possibly the result of an injury or hormonal imbalances during development; Ibadan, 1963.
This scorpion may be the emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator). This female has given birth to living young which cling to her back, probably until after their first moult. Ibadan, March 1966.
At this early stage, the young scorpions cannot survive on their own; they depend on the mother for protection and also to ensure they do not become dehydrated. Ibadan, March 1966. My thanks to Dr Brian Critchley, ex I.I.T.A., Ibadan, Nigeria, for his comments on the identification of these invertebrates.
1. Kainji hydroelectric dam, in westen Nigeria, was built across the River Niger between 1964 and 1968 to create Kainji Lake which measures around 85 by 20 miles. Many people were displaced by this development and were resettled by the Nigerian government. In October 1968, two friends and I made a part-official trip to Kainji Lake. A boat was made available to us. On the lake we encountered many birds perching in what little remained above water of their tree top nesting or roosting sites.
2. Here we see long-tailed shags (Phalacrocorax africanus), an African darter (Anhinga anhinga) and a great white heron (Casmerodius albus).
3. These nests had been constructed at the top of a tree, most of which was by then submerged in the water. At that point the lake was approaching its maximum level.
4. We managed to get close enough to this nest to feel the eggs but they were cold and our impression was that many nests, involving several species, had already been abandoned by the adult birds in response to the rising waters. October 1968. END OF SEQUENCE
This photo was taken when approaching Lagos on the road from Ibadan, where in places the road ran close to coastal waterways. Sand was dug, often by hand, from the bed of the waterway and then transported by boat to points where it could be collected for use in the building industry. 1977.
Adire cloth for sale in Dugbe market, Ibadan. Adire, which translates as tie and dye, is the name given to indigo dyed cloth produced by Yoruba women of south western Nigeria. 1977.
We lived on the University of Ibadan campus at 1 Crowther Lane. The house had quite a large garden where we cultivated bananas, avocados and mangos and where I established my first hibiscus garden. As can perhaps be guessed from the luxuriance of the vegetation, this photo of the garden was taken during the rainy season. The fan-shaped plant in the centre is a traveller's palm (Ravenala madagascariensis). 1978.
Teachers from Loyola College, Ibadan, attending the wedding of a male colleague. The College was founded in 1954 and is a secondary school for boys only. 1977.
During a brief return visit to Nigeria in January 1982, I encountered this palm wine tapper in the 'bush' north of Ibadan. The woven hoop is used to climb the palm trunk.
2. Palm wine is made worldwide from the sap of several species of palm. In southern Nigeria the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is used - see above. The palm wine tapper climbs up to the base of the palm fronds and cuts some off to expose the soft tissues. A hole is pierced in these and the sap then flows down a short pipe or hollow bamboo into a collecting vessel attached to the tree. The sap can be drunk immediately or it can be left to ferment and become alcoholic.
3. The palm wine tapper has fastened the hoop around the palm trunk and is about to climb up to the base of the fronds to collect the fresh sap/palm wine from the vessel he positioned there earlier.
4. He climbs surprisingly quickly - and with bare feet.
5. While I was watching the palm wine tapper, these two girls were working on some land nearby and eventually came over to greet me. Moniya, south western Nigeria, January 1982. END OF SEQUENCE
The picture shows the Catholic Church on the University of Ibadan campus. 1979.
A door of the Catholic Church. The aluminium panels are made by highly skilled local craftsmen and depict a range of themes that reflect the obvious religious nature of the building. 1979.
A closer look at some of the aluminium panels from the door in the previous picture. 1979.
Another set of doors of the Catholic Church, this time with carved wooden panels. 1979.
A single wooden panel from the doors in the previous picture. 1979.
The University of Ibadan was established in 1948. This picture shows the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the campus. This was the women's main hall of residence. !977.
Carved figures outside the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan campus. 1977.
The Senior Staff Club at the University of Ibadan was the main social centre for senior University staff, made up in those early days of Nigerians and expatriate staff from countries around the world. During major social functions people danced around the pool. And I mean DANCED! As the Social Secretary there for several years, I brought in live bands from Lagos and elsewhere to which we twisted, highlifed or Afrobeat the night away on more occasions than I care to remember. 1977.
The University College Hospital, Ibadan, was established on a separate site from the University, but naturally there were very strong links between the two institutions. 1977.
Olokomeji is located north of Ibadan. With its forest and stream and small rest house where one could picnic, it attracted day trippers from Ibadan, Ilorin and other nearby towns. 1966.
1. The palm kernels are left to dry in the sun before they are cracked open to remove the seeds. The seeds can be sold or fried to extract oil that is used as a body lotion. The oil-based body lotion is called Adi-agbon.
2. Some of the oil will be mixed with leaves to make soap. The chaff /husk and other waste materials are used for stoking the fire for cooking or for keeping warm during cold nights.
3. This palm fruit pounder and her baby are taking a well earned rest. Ilora, 1979. END OF SEQUENCE
Birds Photo Gallery
Click photos for larger view
Male collared sunbird (Anthreptes collaris), possibly a maturing specimen. This small sunbird is found from West Africa and across to the south east of the continent. It feeds mostly on small invertebrates, its relatively short bill being unsuited to probing flowers for nectar. Ibadan, May 1964.
Young black sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucas temminckii) being hand fed at the Zoological Garden. This subspecies occurs in forests from Senegal east to the Central African Rebublic. It nests in tall trees and feeds mostly on birds. The female sparrowhawk is larger than the male. The bird shown above originated in the Ibadan area and was brought by a hunter to the Zoo where it was raised successfully. Zoological Garden, June 1964.
The secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is found in open, grassy country over much of Africa south of the Sahara. It stands around 3 feet high. It feeds on locusts, scorpions, rodents, snakes etc. This bird has been fed a dead boomslang. Zoological Garden, 1968.
The Senegal kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) is widely distributed in Africa, although several subspecies have been named. Its bi-coloured bill distinguishes it from nearly all other kingfishers. It rarely eats fish and is not dependent on water for its food, feeding on a variety of terrestrial invertebrates. Ibadan, 1968.
The African wood owl (Strix woodfordii) is found in woodland over much of Africa south of the sahel. Several subspecies have been described. The bird pictured here originated in the Ibadan area, Nigeria. 1964.
This immature Fraser's eagle owl (Bubo poensis) originated in the Ibadan area, but the species is distributed through much of West and Central Africa. This bird is clasping a young laboratory rat. Zoological Garden, 1966.
Abyssinian or northern ground hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus). This female was brought to the Zoo, having previously been kept in close proximity to humans somewhere in northern Nigeria; its precise area of origin was unknown. This species is found in orchard bush and grass woodland and is distributed north of the Equator from West Africa east and south to Uganda. Zoological Garden, May 1966.
On arrival at the Zoo, the hornbill had had some flight feathers trimmed so that it could not fly well. We allowed it to roam around the Zoo grounds where it made friends with visitors and seemed very content. Note the prominent eyelashes which protect the eyes from dust. These birds eat a wide variety of invertebrates and vertebrates as well as some plant material. Wandering around the Zoo grounds, this hornbill found or captured much of its own food. Zoological Garden, May 1966.
With me here is a juvenile West African black crowned crane (Balearica pavonina pavonina). I regret that my records do not give the above location (but certainly in Nigeria) or the crane's origin (certainly Nigeria or adjacent country). In the 1950s, Bannerman described this crane as 'more numerous' in the Northern Territories of Nigeria & 'common in places'. A 2004 survey gave the population for Nigeria as 20. 1973.
Same juvenile crowned crane as previous picture. This subspecies is confined to West Africa south of the Sahara, from Senegal to Chad, where it is found in dry grasslands. However, it nests in marshy areas where it builds a bulky nest of vegetation on the ground. Its declining numbers are due largely to habitat loss and it is listed by IUCN as vulnerable. The crowned crane feeds on grasses and a wide range of small animals. 1973.
Tiger bittern (Tigriornis leucolopha). Found around rivers and streams in forested country of western Africa. As in this picture, this bird can assume a rigid, erect position so that it is difficult to see among vegetation. Zoological Garden, November 1964.
Squacco heron (Ardeola ralloides). Found over much of Nigeria, but its wider distribution includes parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. It feeds on insects such as dragonflies and butterflies as well as aquatic animals such as crabs, molluscs and fish. The area of origin of this specimen was unknown. Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, December 1963.
As the bird collection in the Zoological Garden gradually increased, I decided to construct an aviary large enough to accommodate several selected species within the same space. This project went ahead in 1969. We planted many trees and shrubs, both within and immediately outside the aviary, and inside constructed a natural stone tower and pool with a waterfall. Visitors could enter the aviary, where only a low barrier separated them from the birds' flight area. 1969.
Inside the aviary. 1978.
1. This is the first of a sequence of five images depicting the northern carmine bee-eater (Merops nubicus). The location here is Foge Island, in the River Niger in western Nigeria, shortly before the island was submerged by the construction of the Kainji Dam and the creation of Kainji Lake. May 1968.
2. Showing some nesting holes of the northern carmine bee-eaters. Foge Island, River Niger, May 1968.
3. The adult carmine bee-eaters alight on the bank with food for their young before entering their respective nesting holes; they consume very large numbers of insects. This bee-eater breeds in the dry belt from Senegal in the west to Somalia in the east but then migrates southward. Foge Island, River Niger, May 1968.
4. Northern carmine bee-eater (Merops nubicus). Photo by Dr Roger Wilkinson - my thanks to him for agreeing to my use of it here.
5. Northern carmine bee-eaters (Merops nubicus). Photo by Dr Hilary Fry - my thanks to him for agreeing to my use of it here. THIS IS THE END OF THE BEE-EATER SEQUENCE AND ALSO THE BIRDS PHOTO GALLERY
Other Mammals Photo Gallery
Click photos for larger view
Four day old bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, February 1965.
One month old spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). February 1967. Born at the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan.
Two month old spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). March 1967. Born at the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan.
Three month old spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta). April 1967. Born at the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan.
Young honey badger (Mellivora capensis). November 1969. Northern Nigeria, probably from the Kano area.
Young honey badger (Mellivora capensis). November 1969. Northern Nigeria, probably from the Kano area.
The same honey badger as in the two previous photos, but a month or so older.
White bellied pangolin (Manis tricuspis). Ibadan, May 1964.
White bellied pangolin (Manis tricuspis). Ibadan, May 1964.
Young male hammer-headed fruit bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus). Ibadan, June 1965.
Young male hammer-headed fruit bat (Hypsignathus monstrosus). Ibadan, June 1965.
Pair of red-flanked duiker (Cephalophus rufilatus). Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, December 1966.
Male crowned or common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia). Zological Garden, University of Ibadan, 1966.
This young female crowned duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) was brought to the Zoo for sale. It had been raised by its owner from an early age and was completely tame. Area of origin unclear. March 1972.
Feet of sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekei) showing how well this animal is adapted to living in swamps. Note the wound on the back leg, indicating it was either caught in a wire snare or perhaps tethered. Area of origin unknown. December 1966.
West African or four-toed hedgehogs (Erinaceus albiventris). Zaria, northern Nigeria, March 1964.
West African or four-toed hedgehog (Erinaceus albiventris). Zaria, northern Nigeria, March 1964.
This male patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) is searching for food in its large, grassy enclosure at the Zoological Garden, University of Ibadan, December 1966.
Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) with her baby, born in the Zoo the previous night. 14 December 1966.
These young caracals (Felis caracal) were brought to the Zoological Garden for sale. They were almost certainly siblings and one was black/melanic. They had come from an area north of Ibadan, but it was impossible to obtain hard information. These animals subsequently did well in the Zoo.
Young red river hog or bushpig (Potamochaerus porcus). Zoological Garden University of Ibadan, March 1967.
Young Beecroft's flying, or scaly tailed, squirrel (Anomalurops beecrofti). Brought to the Zoological Garden November 1970. Area of origin unclear.
Another view of the same young flying, or scaly tailed, squirrel showing the gliding membranes.
Young Bosman's potto (Perodicticus potto), showing the structure of the hand. Area of origin unclear. May 1964.
Fruit bat (Epomophorus sp.). Probably the Gambian fruit bat (E. gambianus). Ibadan area, 1963.
Dr David Happold, ex Zoology Department, University of Ibadan, who wrote the definitive book 'The Mammals of Nigeria' in 1987, has kindly identified this animal as the slender tateril (Taterillus gracilis). It would have come from the savanna areas north of Ibadan but I have no detailed information.
This month old lion cub (Panthera leo) was brought to the Zoo when about ten days old by a hunter who had apparently killed the mother near Kishi, about 140 miles by road north of Ibadan. There was also at least one sibling that did not survive. Ibadan, 17 July 1966.
June Hopkins, the wife of a member of staff of the University, kindly kept the cub at home and raised it over the first few months prior to it coming to the Zoo. The cub was named Moshi after a river near Kishi.
Moshi in October 1966. Unfortunately, this animal, while at first appearing to do well at the Zoological Garden, died on the 18th January 1968. The post mortem examination showed that Moshi had heart damage and I feel it very likely that this damage originated in Moshi's conditions and treatment by the hunter during the first few days of his life.
The arrival of Moshi, and later a pair of imported lions, made it essential that proper accommodation be provided for the animals. We thus constructed a large enclosure and building on a grassy area of the Zoo where a number of small trees also grew. Christmas 1967.
Apart from the unfortunate death of Moshi, our lions did very well at the Zological Garden; they produced a number of litters of cubs which were sent to other zoos in Nigeria and abroad. The new lion exhibit helped to attract more visitors. By 1979 the Zoo was receiving nearly a quarter of a million paying visitors each year, more than any other public attraction of any kind in Nigeria. 1970.
The keeper, Nicholas Eze, with some older cubs bred at the Zoological Garden. 1971.
This young female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) was cofiscated from hunters who brought it to the Zoo, having allegedly captured it in south-east Nigeria. August 1967.
Dr Thomas Butynski, Director of the King Khalid Wildlife Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has kindly identified this monkey as the Nigerian white-throated guenon (Cercopithecus erythrogaster pococki), found in the forests of southwestern Nigeria. This captured specimen was photographed in Ibadan, 1967.
Young white-collared mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus). Southern Nigeria, October 1964. In the case of animals such as this mangabey that were brought to the Zoo by hunters, farmers or various middle-men hoping we would buy them (usually we didn't), it was often difficult to be sure where the animal/s had originated from. In such cases I can only make the broadest of statements re area of origin.
Termites are obviously not mammals, but so many mammals and birds feed on termites that these photos are of interest. An unopened queen termite chamber dug out from within a termite nest was brought to me. Species unknown. Precise area of origin unclear, but probably northern Nigeria. 20 March 1964.
The chamber was broken open to reveal the queen termite and a number of male termites. 20 March 1964.
Close shot of the queen. Note the enormous size of the abdomen compared with the head and thorax - a veritable egg-production factory. 20 March 1964.
Also within the queen's chamber were termite eggs and workers. 20 March 1964.
Almost certainly a Senegal galago (Galago senegalensis). Brought to Ibadan from northern Nigeria but precise area of origin unclear. 15 October 1964.
Mongoose lemur (Lemur mongoz) with her baby born a few days earlier. A small group of these animals was imported from Madagascar. Zoological Garden, April 1973.
This male leopard (Panthera pardus) was already in the Zoo when I arrived and was housed in the old building that was later redeveloped as the new reptile house (see the section on reptiles and amphibians, pages 3 & 4). As far as I could ascertain, this animal originated in Nigeria but more precise information was unavailable. Zoological garden, 1963.
These young female African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) originated in south western Nigeria. See short story on this website 'The Absent Elephant' for more information.
These young female African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) originated in south western Nigeria. See short story on this website 'The Absent Elephant' for more information.
Molar teeth of an African elephant. On the right is a complete tooth and on the left the back part of the preceding tooth. In the living animal the complete tooth would move slowly forward (ie. to the left in the picture) and eventually push out the remains of the tooth in front. During the life of the elephant, six sets of four teeth are produced. Note the ridges on the tooth's 'working' surface that can grind woody plant material.
We did what we could in the Zoological Garden to make it publicly known that certain animals were protected by law and should not be captured or traded. In the 16 years I was in post, only 3 chimpanzees were brought to us - see one occasion above. This vendor was appropriately dealt with and the chimp was confiscated without payment. March 1966.
Both of these young female chimpanzees (one is from the previous picture) were confiscated by us. Both survived, were later placed with a young male and the three developed as a compatible and seemingly well adjusted little group. August 1967.
Young African palm civet (Nandinia binotata). This animal was brought to me in Ibadan by a hunter who said he had trapped it in forest very close to Ibadan. Palm civets are nocturnal and eat small animals as well as plant material, particularly fruits. May 1964.
White bellied pangolin (Manis tricuspis) and young. These animals were brought to the Zoological Garden by a hunter but not purchased. After experimentation, we found that some adult pangolins could be persuaded to eat a mixture of ground meat, egg and other ingredients, but even so they rarely survived more than a few weeks. Precise area of origin of above specimens unclear, but likely to have been the Ibadan area. December 1970.
Same white bellied pangolin and young. In the wild pangolins live exclusively on ants or termites which they collect using the long, sticky tongue. The white bellied pangolin is a forest species and it uses its prehensile tail when climbing trees. December 1970.
The zoo keepers, from different areas of southern Nigeria, provided the expertise and dedication without which the Zoological Garden would not have been the success that it was. From the left they are Michael Iyoha, Fred Inanga, Anthony Akhiale, Dickson Osagie, Augustine Udoh, Thomas Popoola, Daniel Osula (Head Keeper), Victor Babarinde, Nicholas Eze, and Nosiru Sadiku. Photo 1978. Wherever you are now, thank you. I remember you all with affection and gratitude. Bob Golding, Bristol, UK, 2012.
I was contacted early in 2013 by the present Director of Ibadan University Zoological Garden, Dr Olajumoke Morenikeji, who came to the UK later that year and spent some time with us in Bristol. Above, Jumoke in my conservatory during her stay.
At the request of Dr Morenikeji, Bristol Zoo Gardens kindly agreed to take a keeper from Ibadan, Peter Nwaokolo, for a month's further training and experience. Above, me and Peter at my home, November 2014. The support of the Director of Bristol Zoo, Dr Bryan Carroll, and the Senior Curator of Animals, John Partridge, in providing Peter with this opportunity is greatly appreciated.
Peter surprised me by bringing with him this present from Dr Morenikeji - a large, framed image of some of the new buildings at the Zoological Garden. Included was a message that I found deeply moving.
In November 2014 Dr Morenikeji, the Zoo Director, organised a zoo and wildlife management Workshop at the University of Ibadan. Above is the leaflet promoting this.
Some of the participants at the Workshop, November 2014.
Dr Morenikeji asked me to send a video message to the Workshop, November 2014. MORE IMAGES ILLUSTRATING NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN WILL FOLLOW IN DUE COURSE.
The Story of the Gorillas
Click photos for larger view
This young female western lowland gorilla, together with a male, was brought illegally into Nigeria from Cameroon. They were offered for sale to the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden and arrived there (see above) on 18 December 1964.
This young male gorilla arrived with the female in the previous picture. Both gorillas had been badly treated prior to arrival - note the burns on the chest of this animal. 18 December 1964.
After consultations with the Nigerian Federal and Cameroon Governments, the Nigerian Government authorised us to confiscate the two gorillas from the Asian traders who had brought them into Nigeria from Cameroon. Late December 1964.
One of the first problems to address was that, due to previous harsh treatment from their captors, both gorillas disliked being handled and were generally very nervous. They bit me and some of the zoo keepers whenever they felt threatened. We therefore spent much time with the animals, quietly trying to gain their confidence and trust. Late December 1964.
Another urgent need was to devise a diet that the gorillas would accept and which would provide for their return to good health and subsequent healthy development. The Veterinary Department of the University of Ibadan worked closely with us at that time - our thanks to Professor Desmond Hill. Late December 1964.
The zoo staff soon selected names for the two young gorillas. The male (left above) was named 'Aruna' and the female 'Imade' (pronounced 'Ee-ma-deh'). We estimated that Aruna was around 2.5 years old and Imade around 1.5 years. Late December 1964.
Over the next few months, both gorillas put on weight and the burns on the chest of the male (Aruna) healed well. On a temporary basis, we kept them in one room of an old animal buliding which we modified for their needs. However, as both gorillas became less nervous of us we began to take them out of their quarters into the zoo grounds and on to an adjacent grassy field. 1965.
On some of these excursions we also took with us a young male chimpanzee. The three animals played and jostled quite harmoniously although there were occasional minor skirmishes. A team consisting of myself and specially selected zoo keepers were present at all times and kept a watchful eye on the apes' activities. 1965.
The female gorilla (Imade) takes a nutritious drink. Both gorillas quickly learned how to handle a fluid-filled cup without too much spilling. 1965.
Here I am carrying the gorillas back to their quarters after some vigorous exercise on the nearby grassy field - 1965. While it was impossible to be sure of the exact origin of our two gorillas, we assumed them to be western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla). We decided it was extremely unlikely that they were Cross River gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli), a distinct subspecies from the Nigeria Cameroon border area, formally described and named in 2000.
While both Aruna and Imade soon settled well into their new home and routine, and related well to their keepers, it soon became apparent that Imade was much more nervous than Aruna of any new or strange items that entered her domain. Here a chamaeleon has been introduced to the gorillas, and whereas Imade keeps her distance, Aruna is immensely curious and relatively unafraid and soon wants to examine the chamaeleon in more detail. 1966.
Aruna follows carefully and slowly behind the chamaeleon while plucking up the courage to touch its tail. 1966.
Finally the chamaeleon turns to face Aruna; it rears up, opens its mouth, makes hissing noises and manages to appear quite intimidating. Aruna decides to treat it with more caution.... 1966.
A zoo visitor is allowed to help feed the gorillas and young chimpanzee. 1967.
Michael Iyoha, the senior keeper in charge of the apes, helps keep order. Michael was an exceptionally gifted zoo keeper who was much involved with the care of the gorillas. 1967.
It was around this time (1967) that I realised that serious consideration regarding the future of the two gorillas was needed. The type of ape accommodation that I found at the zoo when I arrived (see above, with chimpanzee) was old, badly designed and totally unsuitable. If the gorillas were to remain at the Zoo, a new building was required incorporating the latest concepts in zoo design. 1967.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES AND THEY WILL ENLARGE, DISPLAYING A CAPTION BENEATH IN WHITE TEXT.
Thus began a period of design research, although within the context of a limited budget for our new ape project, and I consulted with a number of overseas zoos that had also used water moats as ape barriers. In the meantime we continued to take the gorillas out of their temporary quarters as often as possible to keep them active and present them with challenges large and small. 1968.
Aruna takes it easy while Imade seems to want to have a quiet word... 1968.
Both gorillas were very ticklish. 1968.
Construction of the new ape building commenced in 1969. The area of land available for this project was somewhat limited by existing features and we were having to keep within a budget made specially available by the University. 1969.
Note the large roof overhang from the main building to provide shelter within the outside ape enclosures from sun and rain. The metal-work for the moat is being prepared in the foreground. 1969.
Showing the design of the moat. The inner section, to which the apes had access, had a roughened floor plus three raised ridges to provide a foot/hand hold if needed; the gradient and depth had been carefully researched and assessed. After a few very minor modifications, the moat worked perfectly as a gorilla and chimp barrier, with the physical barrier below, and the electrified barrier above, water. This photo was taken a year or so after construction when we emptied the moat for cleaning.
he gorillas and chimpanzees were released into their respective outside enclosures for the first time in March 1970. Again, you may wish to read/download the article decribing events during those first few days by going back to the University of Ibadan Zoo introductory page, clicking on 'Zoo Publications by Bob Golding', then on 'A Gorilla and Chimpanzee Exhibit.'
Patrick was not a zoo keeper as such. His duties were to prevent visitors throwing things into the two ape enclosures and to keep basic notes of any unusual behaviours or events; also to maintain the moat and its filtration and chlorination systems. However, because his duties included having to swim in the moat, he developed a good relationship with the apes from across the electrified barrier. 1970.
What surprised us was that within a few days of having access to the moat, both gorillas were entering the water with increasing enthusiasm. As their confidence increased, they began to see how much noise they could make by hitting the water with their hands or by jumping into it. 1970.
Here Aruna takes a running jump into the water. He seemed to take great pleasure in making as big a splash and as much noise as possible. It is often stated that gorillas are afraid of water, or will not enter water, whether in the wild or under zoo/captive conditions. While this clearly did not apply to Aruna and Imade, it is worth mentioning that our chimpanzees always avoided getting wet and only entered their moat under occasional extreme duress. 1970.
Aruna beats his chest - and the water... 1970
Aruna soon showed an interest in interacting with Patrick while both were in the water, although of course from his side of the barrier. Aruna learned to grasp an underwater rail and pull himself sharply forward or push with a foot against the roughened moat floor. 1970.
As time went by, Aruna became more and more skilled at moving through the water, which he appeared to enjoy. After kicking off from the moat bottom or pulling on the underwater barrier, he seemed to be able to propel himself over a greater distance by stretching one or both arms out in front of him. 1970.
Augustine Udoh was one of the three ape keepers and here he joins the gorillas in the moat. The moat water was filtered, chlorinated and circulated to maintain hygiene. 1970.
Michael Iyoha was the senior ape keeper. This photo was published in the London Daily Telegraph newspaper. 1970.
The new gorilla and chimpanzee exhibit immediately attracted large crowds of visitors to the Zoo. This photo was taken at Easter 1970, very soon after the opening of the new ape building. Zoo visitors were not allowed access to the ape accommodation within the building - we decided to provide privacy for the animals in those areas.
At Christmas 1970 I was Father Christmas for the children of the staff living on the campus of the University of Ibadan. After I finished delivering Christmas gifts on Christmas morning, I decided to visit the gorillas. At first they didn't recognise me and were quite aggressive towards me. It was only after I spoke that they realised who I was and allowed me to enter their enclosure. 1970.
Aruna and Imade remained intensely curious of my strange garb and continued to examine me in great detail. 1970.
Now she's sure who I am, Imade relaxes and decides to teach me a lesson. It will be seen in these Christmas pictures that Imade has pulled out some of the hair over her biceps area. She very occasionally did this, each period lasting a couple of months or so, and then suddenly stopped. We were never sure of the reason for this - certainly we could find no trace of disease or infection. 1970.
Happy Christmas! Christmas Day 1970.
These three ape keepers built up very close relationships with the gorillas and also our group of chimpanzees. From the left is senior keeper Michael Iyoha, Nicholas Eze and Augustine Udoh. 1971.
When the outside enclosure was newly opened we left a number of trees for the gorillas' use. However, we soon added a number of climbing frames, platforms and other apparatus. 1971.
The gorillas continued to develop their abilities to make as much and varied use of the water as possible, although the male, Aruna, was more resourceful and adventurous than Imade. 1971.
Naturally, the enclosures were cleaned every day, but occasionally a rather more thorough tidy up was necessary. 1971.
Whenever he thought the keepers weren't looking, Aruna grabbed an empty wheelbarrow and snuggled inside it with evident delight. 1971
Aruna spent much time with this bicycle whenever he could (only when keepers were present), and it has to be said gave a strong impression that he was trying to work out how to ride it as he had seen his keepers do. 1971
runa didn't get very far with his cycling efforts but was quite content to go along for a ride. 1971.
Aruna follows Imade as they set off through the water. 1971.
They try a little harder and their speed picks up. 1971.
Augustine joins the gorillas in the water. 1971.
Augustine and Aruna. 1971.
I was careful to maintain a close relationship with both gorillas and spent time with them whenever I could. Aruna and Imade generally maintained good health and the University Department of Veterinary Medicine provided an excellent veterinary service whenever this was needed. 1972.
Imade was now too big and heavy to lift but there was nevertheless much physical contact which the gorillas seemed to enjoy and often initiate, even if it was in boisterous play. 1972.
By this time, what I can only describe as a strong bond existed between me and the two gorillas. I hesitate to apply human terms and values, but very often when I sat quietly with Aruna and Imade, usually in physical contact, a certain calmness seemed to envelop the gorillas, and perhaps me too, and sometimes we just sat there for many minutes, relaxed and doing nothing in particular, just watching the zoo visitors go by..... 1972.
The ape exhibit continued to be a popular attraction, especially the 'swimming' gorillas, and attracted visitors to the Zoological Garden from all over Nigeria. By 1979 the Zoo was receiving nearly a quarter of a million paying visitors each year, more than any other public attraction of any kind in Nigeria. April 1973.
Aruna began to develop some of the physical features of an adult male gorillas. 1973.
Michael Iyoha with the gorillas. 1973
Michael takes a ride. 1973.
Aruna, July 1978.
Aruna giving a good impression of a swimming gorilla. Sometimes he did seem to be very nearly swimming, but as I had designed this inner section of the moat to provide an accessible, non-slip foothold for the gorillas when in the water, I cannot state with certainty that they could swim. However, their arm and hand movements did often seem to increase their forward movement, with their feet briefly clear of the moat floor. 1970. THIS IS THE END OF THE STORY OF THE GORILLAS.
Hibiscus Cultivation
Click photo for larger view.
View inside my conservatory in Bristol. Photo 2007
My conservatory. Photo 2009
This is the white-flowered hibiscus from the garden of the University of Ibadan staff school, Nigeria. I explain its significance on the previous introductory page. With the petals extended (gently flattened), this flower is approx. 10cm/4in across. Photo 2012
All hibiscus shown in this Photo Gallery are, or were, growing in my Bristol conservatory
Large pink, from Los Angeles. This plant is 30 years old (in 2014)
'Martinique'. This flower is 21cm/8.5in across. Photo 2015.
These were grown from cuttings taken from plants in my garden in Crowther Lane, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in the 1970s. Photo 2013
This flower is approx. 14cm/5.5in across. Photo 2013.
'James Hendry'. This flower is approx. 16.5cm/6.5in across. Photo August 2014
Small pink, from Key West, Florida
View from our living room into the conservatory. Photo 2012.
Flowers, flowers everywhere. Photo 2012.
'Razzle Dazzle'. This flower is approx. 21cm/8.5in across. Photo August 2014
'Fifth Dimension'
This was grown from a cutting taken from a plant in my garden in Crowther Lane, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, in the 1970s. The flower is approx. 11cm/4.5in across. Photo 2013
This brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) flew in through a conservatory window. It alighted on the hibiscus flower and made its way slowly toward the nectar source. This plant is 35 years old (in 2014). Photo by Charles Kinsey, 2013
Double yellow, from Zimbabwe. Photo 2014.
'Lae Orange'. This flower is approximately 20cm/8in across. The plant is 32 years old (in 2014). Photo 2014.
Double cerise. Photo 2014
'Montego Bay'. This flower is approx. 19cm/7.5in across. Photo 2014.
The same plant - 'Montego Bay' - but a flower that developed and opened lster in the year, showing how lower temperatures (and shorter days?) can affect flower form and colour. Photo mid-September 2014.
A pink hibiscus with dipladenias intertwined between the lower branches. A beautiful and peaceful little world of our own, where we can sit and meditate, chat, drink a coffee or perhaps an ice-cold limoncello from Sorrento.... Photo 2014.
From our living room we can look through some of the windows into the conservatory and see many of the hibiscus growing there. Photo July 2014.
This 50cm high 'Lae Orange' hibicus was grown from a cutting taken last year (2013) and is already producing flowers. Photo July 2014.
More plants from last year's cuttings, some producing flower buds. Photo July 2014.
Some of this year's hibiscus cuttings. They are still in a propogator which supplies heat under the base of the pots, maintains high humidity and has a thermostat for air temperature control. The many different hybrids vary in the conditions they need for successful propogation from cuttings. Photo July 2014.
This hibiscus, with its rather small flower about 9cm/3.5in across, was taken as a cutting (with the eventual, reluctant permission of the owner) from a plant growing in Piazza Lauro, Sorrento, Italy. The man said it was 'molto ridicolo' to think you could make new plants from a few bits of stem. Photo July 2014.
This and the following two photos are of Hibiscus syriacus. This hardy, deciduous hibiscus is available in several different flower colour forms. The plant in these photos grows in a sunny position in our garden in Bristol and produces a profusion of flowers in late summer. Photo August 2014.
Hibiscus syriacus. This plant was grown from a cutting several years ago. It has grown into a shrub that requires some pruning most years in order to maintain its shape and size. Photo August 2014.
Hibiscus syriacus. The flowers are approximately 9cm/3.5in across. Photo August 2014. (PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE THREE IMAGES OF H. syriacus ARE THE ONLY ONES OF THIS SPECIES ON THIS SITE. ALL OTHER IMAGES ARE OF THE TROPICAL HIBISCUS H. rosa-sinensis).
Now back to Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. This plant was grown from a cutting taken on the island of Kefalonia, Greece, in 2010. Photo August 2014. SEE ALSO NEXT PHOTO.....
Flower, approx. 9cm/3.5in across, from the plant in the previous photo. The plant, approx. 1.5m/5ft high, had more than 30 buds when this photo was taken in August 2014.
In addition to tropical hibiscus, I grow a few other species in the conservatory. These include a species of the genus Aeonium. The above specimens were grown from a few finger-size plants obtained about eight years ago from the Mediterranean island of Capri; they are growing in four separate pots. They seem to thrive in the high summer temperatures and receive direct sunlight through glass, sometimes for several hours each day. Photo September 2014. SEE ALSO NEXT PHOTOGRAPH....
Aeoniums are evergreen succulents with leafless stems tipped with a rosette of fleshy leaves. As new leaves are produced at the tip, the older, lower leaves brown and drop off. Aeonium species are native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, possibly areas around the Mediterranean, and North and East Africa. The above specimen is approximately 36cm/14in across. Photo September 2014.
This cactus is commonly known as queen of the night. However, the literature on the several species of cactus known by this name is confusing - this may be a species of Epiphyllum or Selenicereus, for example; it may well be a hybrid. Any information or comments would be welcomed - see 'contact' button above. Photo 2012. SEE ALSO NEXT PHOTOGRAPH....
This plant flowers once or twice each summer, with several flowers at each blooming over 2 or 3 nights. The flowers open as darkness falls; they have an extremely sweet, powerful scent. Before dawn they wilt and droop, presumably (in wild-growing plants) after pollination has occurred. My plants have never set seed. The above specimen is over 40 years old (in 2014) and has been reduced in size several times. Photo 2012.
Sarracenia flava, the yellow pitcher plant, from North Carolina to Florida. Several varieties are recognised. The pitchers here are approx. 80cm/32in high. Photo 2013.
New growth starts in early spring with flower production, soon followed by pitcher-shaped leaves. Both flowers and pitchers grow very rapidly. Photo 2014.
Flowers of Sarracenia flava. The orientation and elaborate design of the flower prevents or reduces self-pollination. The large, central structure is the umbrella-shaped style. Flowers produce a strong scent and wild-growing plants are pollinated by insects, primarily bees. Photo 2014.
This hibiscus, with double orange flowers, was growing in Alicante, Spain. Photo November 2014.
Animal Collecting With Gerald Durrell
Click photo for larger view.
Gerald Durrell in a canoe on the Cross River, near Mamfe
Me, Gerald Durrell and local hunters holding eggs of an African python. The female python, brooding its eggs, had been discovered by the hunters beneath the rocky outcrop behind us and they had removed the eggs before we reached the site.
The road between Mamfe and Bamenda could become almost impassable during the rainy season.
The countryside in the Bamenda/Bafut region consisted of rolling grassland and mountains. Many crops were grown here by the local villagers and farmers.
Our main destination in Cameroon was Bafut which Durrell had visited before and which he wrote about in his book ‘The Bafut Beagles’. We stayed in the Fon of Bafut’s rest house, pictured here.
Once the word had gone out to the local people that we were buying animals, we were sometimes inundated by people who brought small rodents, reptiles and other animals to us in calabashes (locally grown dried fruits or gourds).
Gerald Durrell holding a black-footed mongoose among yet more calabashes full of small animals. Note the necks of the gourds plugged with local leaves to prevent the escape of the occupants.
A brow-leaf or African giant toad (Amietophrynus superciliaris), a beautiful creature found in the Bamenda highland area.
A nose-horned viper (Bitis nasicornis), another species found fairly commonly in the Bamenda highlands. It is so called because of the elongated ‘horns’ on the nose.
Small animals were called ‘beef’ in the local pidgin English. Here people on the steps of the rest house are being paid for the animals they had brought to us for sale.
I am holding a young patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) and a young spot-nosed guenon (Cercopithecus nictitans).
Durrell with a patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) and cherry-crowned mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus).
Young black-footed mongoose (Bdeogale nigripes).
Young spot-nosed guenon (Cercopithecus nictitans) and mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona).
Bafut scene.
Bafut market.
Another market scene in Bafut.
The town of Bamenda is situated on an escarpment with a back-drop of wooded mountains
Gerald Durrell and his then wife Jacquie (foreground) in Bamenda market.
We spent the trip living in very spartan conditions.
The Fon of Bafut. He first became famous in Durrell’s earlier book ‘The Bafut Beagles’.
The Fon’s compound viewed from the rest house where we stayed while in Bafut.
An expatriate working in Cameroon offered us this young female chimpanzee, but first we had to entice it into a crate! Here Durrell is starting that process.
Come on in here!
It took a long time……
The beautiful landscape in the Ndop region.
Two boy drummers, Bafut.
Young girl with baby and calabash, Bafut
Young boys bringing ‘beef’ for sale, Bafut.
Children with drummer, Bafut.
One of our lorries laden with cages full of small mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians as we prepare to leave Bafut for the coast and the return to the UK on a banana boat.
I have just (Sept 2014) found this battered photo of me (in pyjamas), Gerry Durrell and his wife Jacquie, inspecting some of our animals on the veranda of the Fon's Rest House in Bafut, Cameroon. This photo (1957, source unknown) was later given to me by Douglas Botting, Durrell's biographer.
