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Story: Introduced animal pests

Go forth and multiply

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Go forth and multiply

Acclimatisation – the introduction of non-native species – in British colonies such as New Zealand was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. But not everyone thought it was a good idea. This 1901 cartoon satirises members of the Auckland Acclimatisation Society, who are portrayed as rabbits (considered pests at the time) releasing all manner of creatures. Many of the species introduced by these societies are now also regarded as pests.

Using this item

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Reference: New Zealand Graphic, 13 July 1901, p. 77

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How to cite this page

Bob Brockie, Introduced animal pests – Impact of animals on the bush, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/cartoon/10098/go-forth-and-multiply (accessed 3 June 2026).

Story by Bob Brockie, published 2 March 2009, updated 1 July 2015.