The Meeker herald., 1906-03-03
GuNDA THE GOOD.


finds notable Illustration in Gunda,
the young elephant which daily amuses
hundreds of youngsters at the Bronx
Geological Gardens in New York City.
Gunda was captured wild in an Indian
jungle just little over n year ago,
and purchased for the Geological Gar
dens by Hagenbeck, the famous animal
trainer whose Zoo is one Of the won
1ers of Berlin. He was shipped in
care of an Indian keeper Hassan Bey
by name. as 1t was supposed that the
young elephant would be far less lone
some when attended from the begin
ming OF his captivity by native with
whom he was familiar.
Kunda was brought over 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 80 ndifferent-spending most
of his time signing for his faraway
home-that Director Hornaday dis
charged him, with the gift of steam
ship ticket, and sent him back to Cey-
Ion.
Hassan Bey had remained only n
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 genuinely bad
elephant, like Central Park Tom and
| others who became murderers and met
murderer's fate. But at the earnest
request of young Frank Gleason,
Gunda was placed in his charge the
day Hassan Bey took his leave, and n
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 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 think am the boy to reach It,"
young Gleason told Director Hornaday
His appeal was so earnest that DIR.
Hornaday, somewhat against his own
better Judgment, finally decided to give
Gleason 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 Mt time when the
powers higher up had about decided
he should go the way of all bad ele-
plants. He told Director Hornaday
he would have Gunda safe and ready
for work inside of week. hut his
confidence only excited good-natured
raillery and n statement that If he had
Gunda tanned in two months it would
be highly satisfactory.
The young keeper believed ~ him
self and believed in Gunda. Director
Hornndny was astonished when, two
days after Gleason had taken charge.
he appeared astride of the elephant in
front of the DIRECTOR; office and an
nounced that Gunda was good" and
ready for business. The wicked young
elephant had become not only good.
but really obedient for he Obeycd Glea-
sons commands with an accuracy ami
Willingness that made the Bronx of
ficials marvel. Within Il week Gunda
was ambling about the park loaded
down with sleefu children. and get
ting just MS much fun out of it all as
the youngsters on his back. 4
Now he is as gentle and lovable MS
one 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 Gunda's
back. and. generally speaking, there
are not Il great many youngsters of
those who visit Bronx Park who can
spare fifteen cents for an elephant
ride. But all are allowed to feed him
peanuts and sweetmeats. and Gunda
has grown fat and good-natured on the
generous morsels he has received from
his young friends.
When the young elephant came to
the park. he behaved like frightened
child when first taken out of his stall
into the highways and byways. He
would stand and tremble all over at
the sight C., little dog. while the
sight of n donkey or horse would al
most give him fit. Now he is not
even afraid of the largest and fiercest
fences. calls on the other animals quar-
tered In his neighborhood, plays with
any dog that comes along, ap1 allows
the children to pull his ears md pat
his sides to their hearts content.