The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1908-10-23
The TOILETS OF
CIRCUS ANIMALS
SOME DEMAND THEIR BATHS
REGULARLY, OTHERS DRY
CLEANED.

Circus animals are as particular
about their appearance as human be
ings. said a representatives Of Ring
ling Brothers circus. From the
1.-the leopard to the leather lunged
lion there exists a sense OF pride that
is not more pronounced in aristocratic
circles. They rise at an early hour
and before breakfasting enjoy a re-
freshing bath. Unlike the domestic
cat, which detests Waterfront all but
an internal point of view-the feIines,
with exception of the tigers, are al
ways anxious for the morning plunge.
The lioness, usually sociable-unless
performing motherly care of her
young-wil become troublesome if
neglected by her keeper She insists
upon being washed thoroughly and is
equally persistent regarding the flush
ing of her den. After being drenched
she will sit for hours sleeking her
coat in true animal fashion. Tigers
cleans themselves by rolling in SOW
dust, which is copiously supplied
every morning.
"Giraffes, owing to their susceptible
ity to lung troubles, are exempt from
baths, but receive instead what circus
men call dry cleaning The ami
NAL is thoroughly rubbed with a fan
mel cloth-great cure being taken not
to bruise the flesh. After this, rub
Der brush similar to the curry comb
is employed in downward strokes from
the animals head to it's hoofs.
Sunday is elephant wash day.
These big fellows look forward to its
coming with as much anxiety as
kid does fishing season. Give these
numbering, good-natured creatures
chance at a stream and you will have
your troubles trying to coax them
back to land. Did you ever ask an
animal man why he refused to allow
the elephants to wade the stream
instead of crossing the shakey old
bridge? Well, don't do it, for you
will consider his reply insulting. Mr..
'TwotaiP receives all that is coming
to him, but it is administered with a
fire hose and stiff broom Twice dur
ing the season the big brutes are
treated to an oil bath, This is neces-
sary to prevent their hides from
cracking. The oil is scientifically
applied with large calcimine brush.
"Of the entire Ringing collection
there is not an animal the attendants
so much delight in scrubbing as they
do the mischieyous monkey. The
poor little fellow despises water.
When introduced to the tub his facial
expressions are amusing beyond de-
scription.
"The African yak, which by the way !
is very fussy, becomes sullen as a |
spoiled child if neglected by her
keeper The greatest JOY of this vain |
life is to have her tresses
and bedecked with ribbon.
The polar bear insists on his tub be.
ng we'll filed with shaved ice, while
he hippopotamus would never think
If submerging her bulky body in 9th
n than tepid water"
The menageries presented for in
pection and study this year by the
eingling Brothers is the greatest ZOO
ogical collection ever brought togeth-
r. AS an important department in
he biggest show in the world it offers
ot only features of interest and won
er but recommends itself pre-emi-
emily as a superior, source of study /
nd information. In point of size, as
rell as rare and exclusive features, :
is beyond comparison with any {
Their wild animal collection in Eu- 6
0pe or America. 1t possesses SO
lany specimenas of rare animal life !
OF to be seen in any other collection
lat it is the most distinctive and {
aluable menagerie in the world and
i'll be seen in its entirety when
ingling Brothers Worlds Greatest
hows' exhibit in Columbia, Satur- Z
ny, Oct. 81. =
The giraffe, now almost extinct, is 6
presented by family of beautiful 9
,eciments. The rhinoceros is an <
L.. ennt,,rn thnt nnnnnt he Snan u