New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-06-15
TLAIS WITH BABY LIONS.
LITTLE ITALIAN BOY WITH WHOM The
FER0C,IOUS BEASTS DAILY ROMP-


over in Torfno. Italy there is a little hve-year-
old boy Ettore Ccsa by name, youngest son OF d
prominent business man. who has a daily romp
with two baby lions. These infant monarchs OF the
,l!nslee have not been taken in hand by expert
trainers or subjugated by famous tanners Little
Cesa himself converted them from snarng httle
cubs into affectonate playfellOws The plucky III
tie boy and the beasts are inseparable, ana nave
as merry times together three youngsters Of the
human family.
It was by accident that little T1ttore secured ms
nig clumsy playfellows. Hearing that two non
cubs had been born at the Geological Gardens at
TurinO SgnOr CCSa, thinking the animals 5000 ma
.eri3I for an Interesting photograph. arranged with
the superintendent to take iashlight of the cubs.
Thinking that little Ettore might enjoy visit
20 the Zoo. Sgnor Cesa took his little son with
him when he went to secure a photograph or the
lions While the signor arranging his camera
and fuses preparatory to making the nashlISht. MS
little slipped. unnOticed. into the cage where
.he cubs We're curiousIy watching the visitors.
Before the startled father the keeper had time
20 reach him he down his knees. with both
baby thrown about the cubs. The lions
seemed all astonished by the presence of the
yauuSstcr. The keeper entered the cage and stood
ready protect the boy should the beasts show
any sign Of anger. They, however. calmly looked
him over. gave him playful push with their great
paws and as friendly overture invited him to i
game Of tag by scampering around the cage
Baby and lions rolling over ard over
together. the ultIe one SnrlrklnS Win laughter
and the lions showing their pleasure by low, gut
tuTal sounds When the strange trio were tired of
playing, SisnOr Cesa posed the three and secured
several excellent photographs.
Little Ettore had become so attached to his new
playfcllows that he refused to leave the cage and
begged earnestly to be allowed take the animals
home Thu signor promised to do his best to Sc
the cubs. and greatly surprised the superin-
tendent Of the gardens by announcing that he
wished to purchase the two infant lions. After a
lose. and tie
Ettore was persuaded to leave his pets by the
promise that he should have them in his own home
the day.
The news flew like wildfre and half the neigh
borhood turned out to witness the arrival Of the
cubs. Mothers kept tight hold Of their children
and forbade them going little Ettore predict
Ing all the while the direst mishaps TO that little
fellow
Signor Cesa himself somewhat doubted the judg
1nent OF The venture and he remained home from
business anNiously awaiting the arrival of the
beasts. The keeper brought them in covered
wagon and the people scattered in all directions
when the cubs were led out Little Ettore. how
ever. who had been watching for his piayfeIows,
dashed out - the house and down The steps 20
greet them TIE cubs seemed As delighted as
the child al The meeting, recognizing the boy in
instantly
\ cage had been placed on the lawn for the
cubs and after n short romp the animals "sre
established in their new home.
Every day now Ettore and the lions may when
he weather is hle, b. seen racing over th" lawn
together or tumhI.r1 about on the grass AS ir"ui-
Is and intimate a three children When b. storms
thu. cubs are taken indoors and The entire thri
story of little Etjores home is given over -" 't"~"
boasts ami their baby Owner
II is no unusual thing for Euore - talk, his
TWO friends with him Whom b. goes in town. and
tn. peopi. of Toriup are n"" quit" accustomed ?"
Tho. lions other children stroke their lovely
heads f..r..-sly. s4, although they accept .'n5
All friendly advances with au 'H. viii tn"} fHiaT