Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1905-12-06
GUNDA THE GOOD.

INC NOulS clSpliQilI ~ utliS
hundreds Of youngsters at the Bronx
Geological Gardens in New York City.
Gunda was captured wild in an Indian
jungle just L little over a year ago,
and purchased for the Geological Gar
dens by Hagenbeck. the famous animal
ders of Berlin. He was shipped in
care of IN Indian .keeper. Hassan Bey
by name, as it was supposed that the
young elephant would be far less lone
some when attended from the begin
ming of his captivity by Il native with
whom he was familiar.
kunda was brought owe in a strong
crate. and finally lodged in the elephant
quarters. From the moment he was
taken from the crate Gunda was sullen,
fierce. wickedly inclined. and consid-
cred dangerous. Hassan Bey took lit
tie interest in his charge. and finally
became SO indifferent-spendin" most
of his time signing for his faraway
home-that Director Hornaday dis
charged him, With the gift of a steam
ship ticket. and sent him back to Cey-
Ion.
Hassan Bey had remained only a
month. and during that time Gunda's
only mission in life seemed to be the
destruction of everything within reach
of his trunk. He wrecked his stall.
threatened his keeper, and gave many
evidences Of being a genuinely bad
elephant. like Central Park Tom and
others who became murderers and met
a murderer's fate. But at the earnest
request of young Frank Gleason.
Genda was placed in his charge the
day Hassan Bey took his leave. and a
marvellous transformation began at
once. Gleason. who is only twenty
eight. has spent most of his life among
wild animals. principally elephants.
and has the natural love for his beasts
that is the first requisite of a success
full trainer. He had watched Gunda
from the day of his arrival, and had
been thoroughly convinced that the
whole trouble was due to the native
Indian keeper. whom Gunda did not
really like.
"Gunda's heart is in the right place.
and I think I am the boy to reach it,"
young Gleason told Director Hornaday.
His appeal was so earnest that DR..
Hornaday. somewhat against his OWN
better Judgment. finally decided 10 give
Gleason a chance. Originally. Gunda
was purchased for the mission he is
now fulfilling. that Of carrying people
on his back about the park. Gleason
took charge of him at Il time when the
powers higher up had about decided
he should go the way of all bad Gle
plants. He told Director HornaGay
lie would have Gunda safe and ready
for work inside of a week. but his
confidence only excited good-lhltur2d
raillery and Il statement that if he had
Gunda tanned i'll two months it would
be highly satisfactory.
The Young keeper believed in linn
self and believed in Gunda. Director
Hornaday was astonisled when. two
days after Gleason had taken charge.
he appeared astridc of the elephant in
1ioklI VI thS - oItiNN III III
nounced that Gunda was good" ard
ready for business. The wicked young
elephant had become not only good,
but really obedient. for he obeycd Glea-
sons commands with an accuracy and
willingness that made the Bronx Of
ficials marvel. Within 4 week Gunda
was ambling about the park loaded
down with @leeful children. and get
ting just as much fun out Of it all rs
the Youngsters on his back.
Now he is as gentle and lovable as
oEe could wish, and the especial pet Of
the children who flock to the park dur
ing the spring and summer months.
1t costs fifteen cents to ride on Grnda's
back. and, generally speaking, there
are not q great many Youngsters Of
those who visit Bronx Park who a
spare fifteen cents for an elephant
ride. But all are. allowed to feed him
peanuts and sweetmeats, and Gunda
has grown fat and g~ood-Datured Oh the
generous morsels lie has received from
his young friends.
When the young elephant came to
the park, he behaved like a frightened
child when first taken out Of his stall
into the highways and byways. He
would stand and tremblc all over at
the sight of a little dog. while the
sight of a donkey or horse would al
most give him a fit. Now he is not
even afraid Of the largest and ~fiercest
looking automobile. He climbs over
fences. calls on the other animals quar-
tered in his neighborhood, plays With
any dog that m along, and allows
the children to pull his ears and pat
his sides to their hearts content.
Gunda's best friends, with the ex-
ception of his keeper, are Mr.. and Mrs.
Schwarz, of the Rocking Stone Res
taurant. where Schwarz is chef and his
wife assistant. The chef knows what
tidbits Gunda likes best, and always
has a supply waiting when Gunda as
cends the steps leading to the res