The morning call., 1892-05-06
A TERRIBLE TO0THACHE.
The Big Elephant Bolivar in an Amateur
Dentists Chair.
0hAiIs
Philadelphia Record, April 20.

Philadelphia Record, April 20.
Although not holding the diploma of a
dental college. Head Keeper Byrne OF the
Zoo is an expert manipulation Of those in
struments Of torture, the probe and mallet.
Having made a special study OF the aches
and pains of the lower order OF animals, it
is not surprising that he should have de-
YelOped into an expert dentist. Before q
small but admiriDg crowd Of spectators he
yesterday demonstrated his abilities in a
most remarkable way.
For several days past, Bolivar, the big
elephant, has been suffering from an acute
attack of toothache. So excruciating has
been the pain that the big fellow was in a
state bordering on frenzy. lie stamped and
Taved within the narrow confines Of his
cage, while his loud trumpetings could be
heard for miles, even awakening echoes
along the corridor Of the City Hall. The
under keepers held their lives too sacred to
venture within reach of the craZed beast.
Bolivar and Mr.. Byrne are the warmest
of friends. On many occasions. when the
big elephant bad been acting in an ugly
manner. single word from the head keeper
would reduce him to his normal state. But
Bolivar had never before been in such
rage, and even Mr.. Byrne's stout heart
QuaiIed. But something had to be done,
and he decided 10 do It, Procuring large
mallet, a chisel and a roll Of zinc, Mr..
Byrne quietly opened the door and ap-
peared before his majesty, Bolivar No
sooner had the keeper spoken to his old
friend than the elephants demeanor under
went an entire change.
With a low, moaning sound, he passed
his trunk gently over Mr.. Byrne's face.
The keeper caressed his big pet, the while
talking to him in low voice.
Suddenly he lay down fiat on the floor
Immediately in front of the elephant, at the
same time uttering sharp command.
Without a moments hesitation Bolivar
reached down his muscular trunk, grasped
Mr. Byrne gently but firmly by that portion
of his neither garment best adapted TO such
a procedure and slowly raised him to the
level OF the elephants cayernOus mouth.
The tension was very severe. There was
an ominous sound. but fortunately il was
only a suspender. The cloth was stout, aud
did Its duty nobly. Another word of COM
mand, aud Bolivar opened his huge mouth
exposing the decayed molar. the seat Of all
the trouble. Despite his perIlOus position,
Mr.. Byrne went to work calmly and syS-
tee aticaly. With the chisel aud mallet he
began cutting away the decayed portion of
the tooth.
Bolivar stood the ordeal with great forth
tude. Not sound escaped from his deep
chest, although big, briny tears coursed
down his rugged cheek and fell with loud
splash to the floor Having gotten the
tooth in shape for filling, Mr. Byrne drop
ped the ehisel ard began bRmmering rolled
zinc into the cavity. In 10 minutes the
operation was over and the keeper was
lowered to terra fiTma.
1t was fully minute before Bolivar
closed his mouth. An expression of SER
aphc Joy beamed from his stolid face and
his little eyes twiDkled. Three or four
times he opened aud closed his mouth, as
though to make sure that the pain was
really gone Then lightly bounding with
gazele like strides TO where Mr.. Byrne
was standing, he extended his trunk and
with its moist nozzle implanted a long,
lingering kiss upon the keepers lips.