WILD ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY 
its legs, which seemed almost useless ; it sprawled about 
and made many unsuccessful attempts to raise itself, 
rolling over and over and again struggling to rise. In 
about an hour afterwards, with a little assistance to steady 
it, it got fairly up. It stood about, and, stretching out its 
long neck, smelt at everything within reach; it then 
staggered about and soon flopped down again apparently 
fatigued. After resting awhile it gathered up its legs, 
and sitting up, looked around, and in about half-an-hour 
began again to attempt to stand, getting up this time 
unaided, but still very tottery on its feet. 
The gentle and tender care exhibited by this animal 
towards its young deserves noting. Her constant watch- 
fulness and kindness are to be observed for a long period 
after the young one’s birth. I have frequently seen the 
mother approach the young one while it sat upon the 
ground, and with her long legs step over it, then, gently 
raising her front foot, draw it backwards in order to cause 
the young one to rise. Having placed herself in a position 
to allow it to suck, the motion of the front foot is repeated, 
delicately touching the young one until it rises. 
In captivity this animal is generally regarded as difficult 
and always dangerous to keep. My experiences, however, 
lead me to the opposite conclusion, for since the year 
1838 or 1839 to the year 1867 it has been bred and 
successfully reared in these Gardens. It is quite true 
that it is liable to accidents ; its great size and stupid 
behaviour render it necessary to be very watchful and 
careful on the part of those in charge of them in order to 
prevent accident, for if by any possibility it can find a 
chance to hurt itself it appears to take advantage of it 
immediately, many instances of this kind having occurred. 
I have related a few as a means of safeguard in the 
future. 
90 
