were very expensive. Their resulting popularity made Hallstrom a millionaire. Philanthropy Hallstrom is believed to have donated over A$4 million to philanthropic causes during his lifetime. He directed much of his fortune to the Taronga Park Zoo in Sydney, becoming a trustee and later chairman of the zoo. He personally funded the purchase of many large and exotic species from overseas. He established a farm to produce fresh food for the zoo animals, and also set up a fauna reserve on the outskirts of Sydney, later to form part of the Muogamarra Nature Reserve. His company sponsored a conservation-oriented panel program Nature Speaks from 1947–54 on radio 2GB, compered by John Dease. Hallstrom was also generous in his financial gifts to hospitals and medical research centres as well as numerous charities. His reputation as a philanthropist resulted in his being besieged with requests for financial assistance, and he was known to take personal interest in the many letters and requests he received. Hallstrom was a member of zoological societies in Sydney (Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales), London (Zoological Society of London) and New York (New York Zoological Society) and was also a member of the Explorers Club and the Royal Australian Historical Society. Honours Hallstrom was knighted in 1952, and received gold medals from zoological societies in Belgium and San Diego, California. He also received an honorary Swedish knighthood. He was also the first Australian to be named "Father of the Year", in 1957. Taronga Zoo In the latter part of his life Hallstrom was involved in controversy over his concept of the development of the Taronga Zoo, with two state government inquiries criticising his lack of professional training in zoology as well as the extent of his use of concrete in animal enclosures. According to biographer Audrey Tate, He died at Northbridge, New South Wales, on 27 February 1970. References External links Taronga Zoo History The end of a unique institution Good zoos 1968 interview with Hallstrom 1886 births 1970 deaths Australian philanthropists Australian Knights Bachelor 20th-century philanthropists 20th-century Australian businesspeople