WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 



The veterinary surgeon and other authorities had come 

 to the conclusion that the cause was some disease in the 

 feet of the animal, and various remedies had been tried 

 without success. 



An Indian officer who had been accustomed to the 

 management of elephants had failed, after resorting to 

 various plans and remedies, to relieve or abate the increase 

 of the irritating and distressing symptoms. 



The Directors of the Society wrote a request that I 

 should visit their Gardens with the view of asking and 

 taking my opinion and advice as to what could be done 

 for the poor animal. 



I need not say I accepted the invitation, and on my 

 arrival at the Gardens I was met by the President and 

 other officers and conducted to the house in which the 

 animal was confined. The place was so dark that I found 

 it impossible to make any careful examination of the 

 ■ animal's feet. I therefore requested the keeper to lead 

 the animal out into the open air ; the poor beast managed 

 to walk with much difficulty and evidently in pain. Upon 

 raising and examining the soles of the feet I at once 

 plainly saw what was the cause of the mischief Turning 

 to the keeper, I asked if there were any rats in the 

 elephant-house. "Yes," said he, "they are swarming!" 

 Addressing the Directors, I said, " Gentlemen, it is rats 

 that are eating your elephant, the holes and teeth-marks 

 resemble the teeth-marks made by rats in old cheese." 

 After advising what was to be done to immediately stay 

 further injury I advised that a new house should be 

 erected. My advice was taken into consideration and 

 agreed to, the elephant soon recovered her health, and, 

 for all I know, the animal is alive and well in the house 

 built for her safe keeping. 



The fine female Indian elephant which had for several 



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