CHAPTER IV. 
CARNIVORES IN CAPTIVITY. 
SreE1nc how intimately I have always been associated. with 
wild animals, it is a remarkable circumstance that I should 
never have met with any severe accident. That I have 
escaped the jaws of the tiger, the crushing feet of the elephant, i 
the horns of the buffalo, “the cruel coils of the serpent, is no 
doubt partly due to the prudence and care which I always... 
observe in dealing with these creatures ; but I am bound to 
add that wild animals are not nearly so savage as is commonly 3 
imagined. On the contrary they are often most affectionate, ~ 
and I have had many friends among lions, tigers and pan- 
thers, which were no harder to handle than pet dogs. More- 
over their affection is very enduring, and survives ane after 
they have found another home. 
The following is a remarkable instance of the memory of _ 
carnivores for people who have won their confidence. Forty 
years ago or more I| bought a pair of young tigers, one of | 
which caught a bad cold, which produced in him an affection ~ 
of the eyes from which he became blind. For months | 
nursed him with the utmost care, going every day to his cage 
to make him as comfortable as possible, so that a very in- 
timate relationship between us grew up. At length my de- | 
votion was rewarded and he completely recovered. Later on, 
he and his mate were sold to Professor Peters of the Berlin 
Zoological Gardens, and here the pair lived for many years ; 
but to the day of his death the tiger whom I cured retained 
a most faithful attachment to me. Often I did not see him 
for long periods together, but, notwithstanding this, he would 
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