The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1907-08-22
TRAINING WILD ANIMALS.
Acquaintance With One Another the
First Step Taken.

In the beginning of the training of
animals, 1t is first necessary to get
them thoroughly acquainted with one
another, which is done by placing
collar and chain on each individual
intended for the group. This is not al
ways safe or pleasant task, as there
are few animals, however tame, that
do no. object to collar To accom-
plish this they are placed in small
cage, rope passed over them, and
they are then drawn up to the side OF
the cage, and held while the collar
and chain is adjusted.
All felines use their claws as well
as their teeth, thus the operation
requires the utmost caution. The are
ma or training cage is next brought
into play. In this the animals are
placed one at a time, and secured
in such manner they cannot reach
one another There they are left for
several days; during this time the
trainer makes a careful study OF each.
taking note of his disposition and
general traits of character 1t often
occurs that one will prove so sullen,
morose and vicious he will in no wise
affiliate with the other members, then
a new one must be sought and the
vicious one is doomed to a life be-
hind the bars in some zoo or trav-
cling menagerie.
The animals selected are usually as
near of an age to one another as pos
sible. After they have become thor
oughly acquainted they are all remov-
ed except one, and the collar is TAX
en- off. The trainer enters the cage
holding chair in one hand, which
is used as shield in case the ami
NAL should suddenly spring upon him,
and stout whip in the other
About the first lesson they are tau
About the first lesson they are
taught is to mount a pedestal. which
Is hung upon the bars short dis
tance from the floor. If the animal is
not too vicious and will allow himself
to be approached, the trainer begins
to caress and call him by name. This
gives him to understand he is not an
enemy but a friend, as nearly all ami
mails fight only through fear
After the animal fully understands
what is required Of him. and will
mount the pedestal at the word of
command, another member of the
group is then introduced and taught
In like manner. AS each in turn has
learned his first lesson, the pedestal
is placed at different heights and all
are taught to pass from one to the
other, thus forming a pyramid. Jump
ing through hoops is taught by holding
the hoop first very low, allowing the
animal to merely step through. Once
accustomed to this the hoop is raised
a little at time until the desired
height is reached.
In teaching them to roll ball, the
ball is placed next to the bars, com
pelling the animal to pass over it,
After he becomes used to this the
same as any other next object introduc-
ed, the whip is used by striking in
front OF the animal. He naturally
stops and remains standing on the
ball. The teaching Of TINS trick re-
quires many days of patience on the
part Of the trainer.
Training such group is no child's
play, few trainers seldom escape the
unpleasant experience Of being leap
ed upon in anger by some of their
fhnrnfnra t- To-
a successful trainer a man of powerful
physique, cool nerves and unerring
Judgment. In order to understand
just how far one animal can be driv-
en- without retaliating, 1t often be-
comes necessary when an animals
temper has been aroused to cease work
for a time until he again becomes
passive. Lack Of knowledge along the
line has often been the cause of train
ers receiving serious injuries and in
some cases actually killed.
The time usually required in training
Is from two to three months, much
depending upon the intelligence of
the animal as some are much bright
er than others. In case of the death
OF one Of the animals, the great diff
Guilty Is In getting another to work in
the group as the others do not take
kindly to a newcomer. 1t is often
necessary to collar and chain them in
the same manner as when all were
strangers. They frequently attack and
kill a newcomer II the greatest eau
tion is not exercised.
When the animals are turned into
the arena, ready for their act, they
at once begin to play like so many
frolicsome kittens. and mount the ped
estal without being commanded to do
so, which shows they are governed