1966 - 1996 Wellington Lions (Host) Wellington Zoo train

Tree falls on Zoo train

Just like a real train, right down to the train smash-all they need now is an Indian attack.

During the night one of the largest pin trees standing behind the tunnel on the Zoo train tack fell across the tunnel into the lake, smashing the bodywork of one carriage of the train. The train had been left in the tunnel for protection from the weather.

The curator of the zoo (Mr. K. Kuiper) said it was fortunate that the tree had not fallen on the engine, as the carriage can be rebuilt relatively easily. In fact, the Lions club, who provided the train, are already considering rebuilding the carriage as a guards’ van for the train.

The train will not be run again until the rest of the trees have been made safe. When the track was put in, the roots on the lake side of the trees were cut, reducing their support, so there is a possibility that the remaining trees are unsafe, too.

The whole of the runnel roof has been sprung by the impact, and part is destroyed completely.

Source: 09 July 19?? – Publication (unknown)

Source: The Evening Post, Saturday, October 29, 1983.