The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1868-01-09
Terrible Encounter with Menagerie Hy-
enas, 81

MGnders' Grand National Star Menagerie,
in Eng land, has, within the last two years,
been the arena of several sensational affairs,
none OF which however, can be compared
with the circumstance now under notice for
the almost tragic incidents connected with
it. 1t is generally supposed that hyenas
are uutamable. Mr.. Manders while on the
Continent some twlve or fourteen months
ago. purchased fine pair of striped hyenas,
which he placed in the menagerie under the
care of keeper named Stephen Lawrence.
1t appears that Lawrence was feeding these
animals, when one of them got a piece of
bone fast iu his throat. A nvmber of expe-
dents were tried from the exterior of the
den to dislodge the bone from the hyena's
mouth but as the animal retreated to the
extreme end Of its cage it was found impos-
sible 20 accomplish the desired object.
Thinking, no doubt, that Mr. Manders
would feel much annoyed at the loss of a
valuable animal under such circumstances,
llawranee opened the door of the den and
stepped in. SEEING the hyena by the nape
ct the neck with one hand the keeper cour-
ageously drew ont the bone from the ami
mails throat with his other hand and as
neither of the hyenas appeared to consider
this INVASION Of tueir den as impertineut
Lawrence has, ever since been in the habit
of frequently entering the cage, and has even
trained both the hyenas to go through a
variety of performances While the me-
nagerie was at Coggeshall, Essex, few
days ago, Lawrence, as usual. entered the
den, and, III the presence Of large number
OF spectators, exhibited the byenas.
After putting them through their accus
toned exercises, Lawrence was about to
leave the cage, and turned his back upon
the hyenas in order to unfasten the spring
of the door While occupied in deing this,
one Of the animals seized Lawrence by the
calf of his left leg, the other hyena attempt
ing to get hold of his thigh, Lawrence had
only a.small cane in his hand at the time,
but one of the spectators quickly handed to
the keeper thick stick, heavily loaded with
lead at one end. With this Weapon Law
renee belabored the animals, which, howev-
er, still held fast--the second hyena In the
meantime having seized the keepers right
leg AS may well be imagined, the circun-
stances caused panic among the specta-
tors, WHO began TO rush out of the menag
erie.
Dir. Manders, who was taking money at
the doors, seeing the visitors retreating 10
great alarm, was soon in possession of the
facts OF the case and he at once proceeded
to Lawrence's assistance. BY the time Mr.
Manders had pushed his way through the
excited crowd, the hyenas had got the keep
CT down on the floor of the den, and had be-
gun to worry the poor fellow, who was now
tieediug profusely from both legs, bnt luck
itY was unhurt in both arms and hands
Mr.. Manders shouted to Lawrence to use his
stick freely, land to ''keep up his heart" for
assistance was at hand. A tent pole was
procured at the end of which butchers
knife was securely dashed, and this formida-
Die instrument was inserted under the
locking bars of the den by Mr. Manders
Watching his opportunity that gentleman
thrust the knife into the hind quarters of
one of the hyenas which released its hold
Of Lawrence and rushed to one corner Of
the den, yelling hideously. Great caution
had to be used, as, ID consequence of the
critical position of Lawrence 1T was feared
that he might be wounded with the knife
At length Mr. Mauders succseded in plant
ing the blade in the shoulder of the hyena
which still had hold Of the keeper, and that
animal quickly followed its companion into
the corner of the den, their united yells be-
ing something terrific The door of the
cage was then opened and Lawrence was
quickly pulled out Mr.. Manders keeping
the hyenas at bay with theSknife during the
operation. The keepers wounds were
found to be not of such serious nature as
were anticipated, and he is now progress
ing very fayoraby.