The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1872-03-07
The Lion Tamer's Peril.

A thrilling scene occurred III this
city in Wednesday. A lion tanner
came within an ace of being torn to
pieces by Royal Bengal tiger, with
which he was imprisoned in cage.
Only presence of mind on his part
and bravery on the part of another
saved him. At Twenty-second and
Nassau streets is the menagerie of
Adam Forepaugh, housed i'll winter
quarters. Among others, he has two
splendid specimens of. lions and two
magnificent royal Bengal tigers. On
Christmas-day there landed III this
city Herr Darious, the European wild
beast tanner, who came direct from
the Geological Garden of Hamburg.
The trainer at once set about his task,
in order to have the animals in per-
feet submission by the time the spring
opened. He had large den erected
in the south building of solid white
oak three inches in thickness, with an
open front, interlaced with iron bars
crossing each other at regular inter-
walls. At one end there is door, and
in the center there is swinging par
tition, which divides the den into two
apartments, and which may be opened
or closed at the trainers will. In this
strong den the lions and tigers were
placed, separated by the partition, ex-
cept when being trained, when they
are permitted TO be together.
Every day since his arrival he has
entered the cage, and armed only with
whip, has gradually broken down
the ierocity of the beasts. Yesterday
morning he prepared as usual to enter
the cage. Once in, he noticed that
the tigers seemed uneasy and restless.
They Kept out of his way, skulked in
corners, jumped over each other,
showed their teeth, and when struck
gave forth growl that boded no good.
The trainer faced it manfully for a
while, but seeing that the beasts for
some cause or other were really enra-
ged, determined to retreat By a
quick movement he sprang backward
and shut the partition door with
crash, but not in time to keep out one
of the tigers, with which he found
himself alone. Now came the terri
Bile moment of suspense. The trainer
for moment kept the beast still in
the corner by the power of his eve,
but happening to turn his head for a
moment, the tiger, with terrific yell,
launched its body into the air and
came down upon Herr Darious, bear
ing him to the floor of the cage. Those
who had been attracted to the spot
stood palsied by terror, as they gazed
upon the spectacle OF the trainer lying
meath the tigers claws.
Motionless, still as the dead, lay the
trainer, knowing this course to be his
only hope. The tiger, with one paw
upon the breast of the man, purred
ominonsly and struck the floor with
his tail. AS cat holds mouse, so
was the picture. But this time it was
o human life almost within the laws
of wild beast.
Mr.. Forepaugh saw in an instant
what must be done. The head of the
beast was from him, the long tail
swishing to and fro with cat-like
quick as lightning, Mr.. Forepaugh
thrust his arm through the bars, seiz-
ed one of the tigers hind legs, and,
bracing himself with his foot, jerked
it through the grating. "Quick I" for
Gods sake, save yourself" he shouted,
and, as the tiger turned with yell at
the sudden pain, the trainer leaped to
his feet and escaped from the den of
death.
During the affair the rcars of the
beaste threw the other auimals into
the widest excitement. In the up
per,story cocoon Gnu, or horned
horse, one of Mr.. ForepaHgh's recent
importations, and one of the most vi
cious of all animals, broke through
his cage, and made an immediate and
terrible attack on one of the zebra ca
ges containing beautiful and valua-
BILE animal. In less than moment
the front was battered down and the
poor zebra lay dying, gored to death.
Proceeding to the den containing the
great Gland. the gnu began 10 battle
at the wire wirework here, but his
horns became entangled, he was cap
tured and placed in safe quarters,
without doing further damage.-Phtt-
adelphid Post, Feb. 90.