The morning news., 1897-03-21
DOMEsTICATED LION CUB.
Circus Baby Which Was Adopted by
Some Virginia Children.
From our Animal Friends.

ANAAA OuI animal tflCnuS.
Some few years ago. in an old Virginia
home, l CHANGED to see one of the strang-
est sights one could well imagine-a full
grown lion with three children as play
mates. The home belonged to a relative
of mine, where l had come for a short
visit; but at the gate paused in conster-
nation to see the beautiful king OF the
forest" leap out Just like a tame dog The
children called and the handsome animal
bounded to them and commenced TO play
l was amazed, for l had never conceived
that lion. of all animals, could be domes-
ucated. He played with the children as
one OF them, licking their hands; again
taking them in his huge arms" as il were.
and entering into their games and amuse-
ments. A dog ran up, but Leo was Jealous
or their attention, and with one blow of
ms Dig paw the dog was unceremoniously
slapped over, leaving the lion master OF
the field.
On reaching the house one of my first
questions was to ask my cousin the his
tory OF the children's. pet, which 1 will
give in her own words:
one day, some two years ago. a circus
was passing through the country. and
While they were in the town a lion cub was
BORN, II was not larger than a good-sized
puppy and as the circus was on its sum
mer trip, and they could not be bothered
with 1t, they were going to kill it, begged
1t from them; they were glad to he rid of
their unwelcome visitor. and gave him to
me.
Leo was pretty little thing, and very
gentle He was fed out of a bottle like n
baby and grew up with the children till
he became their companion and protector.
AS he grew larger people became
alarmed to see lion running at large
and talked so much about il that at last
II even made the grown members of the
family nervous, and they determined to
part with him. He was a MAGNIFICENT
specimen, far more beautiful than any
Kept in confinement, and my cousin sent
word to the menagere in Lincoln park,
Chicago, that if they would send for Leo
they might have him, well knowing that
the keepers would give him all care and
attention. Many tears were shed when he
was sent away, and the children refused
to be comforted for the loss of their play
mate
Two years went by and the famous
worlds fair in Chicago was the absorb
Ing topic of the day. My cousin and her
eldest girl visited it, but not even the
beauties of the White City with it's
many attractions could keep them from
Leo. AS they came near his cage he ran
to the side nearest them, and seemed to
know the child. Her mother was afraid
ana called TO her TO stand back, but the
girl answered. Leo will not hurt me-
mamma see, he knows me- and indeed
he did. The mighty lion put his front
paws through the bars. pressed his face
against them and pulled his playmate to
him, holding her in his arms, as he had
done many times in his far-away home
in Virginia, licking her face for joy. Moth
er and child had tears in their eyes when
they at last left their dumb friend"
GfrapOa fbia NAV scam 10 a true
story, many people knowing all the cir
cumstances. 1t is we'll to show what
kindness to dumb animals may make of
them. Leo might some day have shown
his savage nature and harmed the chill
dren, but 1t is hardly probable