PREFACE. 



The stories contained in this book are of 

 actual animals, nearly all of whom are still 

 living and on exhibition in various Zoologi- 

 cal Gardens and menageries in different parts 

 of the world. The facts related have been 

 given me at first hand from the naturalists 

 and trainers in charge, and most of the ani- 

 mals described are old personal friends of my 

 own. 



. The majority of instances have come un- 

 der my own personal observation and study, 

 and, whenever it is otherwise, I have made, 

 clear that fact and given the source from 

 which I received my information. 



It is possible in all cases for those readers 

 who might possibly doubt some of the in- 

 stances related to verify each story told in 

 this book by going or writing to those au- 

 thorities. 



I am hoping, by presenting this book of 

 actually true stories to the public, to show 

 and prove some valuable traits in animals 



