The opening of a Zoo in the Gardens was seen as important in terms of exhibiting as comprehensive list of fauna as possible at the time and providing further opportunities for leisure time activities for visitors to the Gardens.The Courier articles clearly show the importance of the opening of a Zoo in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens with the Premier of Victoria and other official visitors attending the opening ceremony.one page of transcribed extracts from the Courier, with some words highlighted in bold dated 16/2/2010.None.doctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, the opening of the zoo, the zoological gardens, birds and animals, mr ben jahn's bequest, northern gardens reserve, john garner collection, gardens, ballarat