HOUSEKEEPING FOR WILD ANIMALS
There are three essentials in the care and feeding of wild
animals--good food, cleanliness, and exercise. Food and cleanliness
come first, but exercise is nearly as important, and this is one of
the main reasons why animals in traveling shows are so much healthier
and stronger than those kept in zoological parks. In the parks they
get food and cleanliness, but little exercise; for wild animals
are proverbially lazy, and, unless compelled by hunger or force of
circumstances, will not exert themselves in the least, preferring to
lie about and sleep rather than even to walk round their cages.
[Illustration: “THE THREE GRACES”]
With trained animals especially, the trainers make it one of their
chief objects to give their animals exercise; first, to keep them in
good condition, and, secondly, to make them more alert and active.
Captain Bonavita, a well-known trainer, makes it a rule to take out all
his lions, whether performing that week or not, and exercise them up
and down the passages, the runways behind the cages, or in the arena.
In doing this there are difficulties. All wild animals, especially
lions, dislike movement. True, they pace up and down their cages, but
this is only when waiting for food, or because they have discovered a
stranger in the building and resent it. This pacing is not exercise
enough. Think of the miles a lion has to race in his wild state in
search of food!
But in captivity there is no inducement to take any exercise at all. He
is fed well and regularly, for his commercial value is considerable,
and he is well worth taking care of. He knows that he will get his food
in some way or other, and so the most he does in the matter is to pace
restlessly up and down his small cage and exercise his lungs by roaring
occasionally.
Having to go through two performances a day compels the animal to
take a certain amount of regular exercise, which he always resents,
but which improves his health and condition. This is the reason that
trained animals have such good sleek coats,--a true test of the
condition of an animal,--well-grown, thick manes, and clean mouths,
feet, and eyes.
There can be no doubt whatever that all wild animals enjoy a change of
air and scene. Watch a lion or a tiger when anything strange or unusual
takes place. He will rise up and do his best to investigate, and,
failing in this, he walks about and roars at the top of his voice. And
although this is a little trying to the nerves of some of his hearers,
he is all the better for it in many ways.
It has been noticed by many animal owners and trainers, and I have
invariably noticed it myself, that the animals grow listless and
indifferent after being in one place for a long time; but as soon as
they begin to travel, they rouse themselves and take an interest in
all that is going on. Very few animals roar or make any sound when
traveling, but they are, nevertheless, always on the _qui vive_ to
know what is happening, and evidently take a great interest in it
all. The very movement of the wagons and trains, although occasionally
upsetting them for a short time, proves beneficial in stirring up their
livers, which often grow torpid from the sedentary life.
Many have the idea that wild animals are very robust, but this is a
great mistake. Instead of being in strong and rude health, they are
subject to all kinds of ailments, and in many cases have to be looked
after as carefully as an infant. Lions are subject to colds and coughs,
and to very serious tuberculosis, which often ends fatally in less than
eight months, its course being far more rapid with them than with men.
Another trouble with lions is that they are much afflicted with
rheumatism, and unless kept in a dry and warm place, get so crippled
in the joints that they not only become valueless for show purposes,
but very often have to be killed in order to put them out of their
misery--a serious loss when a lion has cost over a thousand dollars and
has increased his value by becoming a good performer.
Lionesses, too, are subject to a large number of complaints, and even
when fairly healthy and strong require unceasing attention. It is a
very critical time when a lioness is about to have cubs. The lioness is
invariably more restless and much quicker in movement than the lion,
but when expecting to become a mother her restlessness is terrible, and
her excitement, if allowed to get the least bit beyond her control,
very frequently results in her not only killing all her little ones,
but actually eating them. And when this has once happened, it is a rare
thing ever to make a good mother of her, for she will do it again and
again, not through dislike or fear of her offspring, but simply because
she is restless and unnerved, and does not seem to know what she is
doing in her distress.
Of course, in addition to ordinary complaints, there are other things
which affect the health of wild animals. In a free fight among wild
beasts, such as happened at one time with Captain Bonavita’s lions, the
animals received serious injuries. It takes very little to start lions
fighting; it is their nature to fight one another, and it is only by
training and the wonderful power which Captain Bonavita holds over his
animals, that this large number of wild beasts is made to sit calmly
round on pedestals and not even touch one another.
[Illustration: “DENVER” AND “CÆSAR”]
In this case Captain Bonavita had turned his twenty-seven lions out
into the runway behind the cages in preparation for the performance,
when Denver, one of the biggest and fiercest Nubian lions, suddenly
started a fight with another lion. In a very few minutes the whole
twenty-seven lions were fighting madly in the narrow passageway, with
one man among them, for whom at that moment they had nothing but
supreme contempt.
Captain Bonavita did his best to separate the animals, and took some
desperate chances while doing so, for the lions were only too ready for
something to fight; but it was all useless. He shouted orders to them,
called them by name, fired blank cartridges, and when he had exhausted
his voice, cartridges, and strength, could only take refuge behind one
narrow board, into which he had luckily had a handle put only the day
before, and do his best to defend himself.
This board was not wide enough to cover him, and he had to guard
himself carefully, as several lions were trying to get at him through
the little space which was left at one side. All he could do was to
shift the board constantly, but among so many it was small wonder that
at last one of the lions got one huge paw in, and tore a large piece of
the trainer’s coat and flesh off his chest. By great efforts, however,
Bonavita managed to get out alive.
In this terrific fight several of the lions were seriously injured,
for the fight lasted over an hour, and it took nearly another hour to
get all the animals back into their cages again. One or two were badly
bitten and torn, and it was necessary that some sewing and patching
should be done. With great caution, ropes were dropped round the neck
and legs of each of the injured animals, and in this way they were
drawn close to the bars, and the necessary stitches and repairs were
accomplished with much difficulty. This is one of the most dangerous
things to do to a wild animal, for, in spite of being tied, he is
always on the lookout, and can give a bite which would stop the
operator forever. But in this case all was got through safely, and the
lions eventually recovered.
Animals are always roped in this way when anything is wrong with
their teeth, claws, or limbs. It is the only way in which they can be
handled at all. As for the notion that many people have that some of
the animals are drugged, I need scarcely say that it is absurd. Animals
cannot be drugged in that way. To drug wild animals might mean some
very serious losses, not to mention the fact that the ultimate effect
of the drugs would greatly depreciate their commercial value.
And while speaking of this peculiar delusion of the public, I might,
perhaps, also be allowed to mention the mistaken idea that so many
have, that cruelty is practised to a certain extent in an animal
exhibition.
No greater mistake could possibly be made. A man who purchases valuable
race-horses does not ill-treat them or allow others to ill-treat them.
On the contrary, apart from the humane point of view, he takes care
that all the men in his establishment are kind to the animals in every
way, attending to their wants and comforts, and taking the greatest
care of them.
It is much the same in an animal exhibition. For instance, the lion has
a market value determined by his ability as a performer. Any healthy,
well-formed lion is worth from eight hundred to twelve hundred dollars,
but in the case of a lion performing in a group, the loss of one
means the practical disbandment of the group, because they have been
taught to act in concert, and another will be necessary to take the
place of the dead or disabled one. Add the lion’s value to the cost of
transportation and training, not to mention the costly item of feeding
for years, and you will have a pretty large figure. It must, therefore,
be apparent to those who will take the trouble to give the matter a
little consideration, that the very greatest care must be taken of the
animals, and that the slightest abuse of them cannot be allowed.
Even were this not so, I would not allow any one employed by me to stay
another day if I once found that he was using any cruelty whatever
to the animals in his charge. Kindness may not be appreciated by wild
animals in one sense, but it undoubtedly tends to promote their comfort
and health.
[Illustration: MLLE. AURORA AND HER POLAR BEARS]
In feeding wild animals care is always taken to have the temperature
of the food and water about the same as the temperature of the body.
Should their meat or water be given to them too hot or too cold, it
affects their stomachs, and they may be ill for weeks in consequence.
Only the very best and freshest of meat is given them. The least taint
or disease would be sure to cause trouble in some form or other, and
in many cases serious sickness and death would follow. It is true that
lions in their wild state, when unable to procure fresh food, will
occasionally eat tainted food. Whether or not their free, out-of-door
life tends to counteract the ill effects of this, is not definitely
known. All I personally know is, that lions and tigers in captivity
are unable to eat any tainted food without a sickness following, which
not only gives untold trouble and cost to the owners, but is also a
source of extreme unpleasantness to those around. The only way to keep
wild beasts wholesome and free from smell is to give them the best and
freshest of food.
The best food for lions and tigers is good fresh beef or mutton, and an
occasional sheep’s head, of which they are extremely fond. Curiously
enough, they are fond of any heads,--sheep’s, chickens’, calves’,
lambs’, and others,--and will always eat them with the greatest relish.
About twelve to fifteen pounds of beef or mutton are given to each
of my lions and tigers twice a day, unless we deem it advisable to
lessen it on any signs of sickness. Pork is never given under any
circumstances, or much fat, although lions are rather fond of the fat
of mutton.
With each piece of beef or mutton, if we can manage it, is given a
piece of bone; the reason for this is that gnawing the bone helps
digestion and is good for the teeth. On Sundays no food, but plenty
of water, is given to the carnivora. This fast-day once a week is
absolutely necessary; it rests their digestion, prevents them from
growing too fat and lazy, and is beneficial to their health in many
ways. I have carefully watched, and although at times some will get
restless when feeding-time approaches on Sunday, they soon settle down
again, and on Monday do not seem to be more hungry than on any other
day in the week.
When it becomes apparent that a lion or tiger needs an aperient, a
piece of liver is given, which has the desired effect. In some cases
the liver is given once a week, particularly if the animal is a little
off his feed. In other cases, a rabbit, pigeon, or chicken--always
killed first--is given; this last food being specially beneficial
should the animal be troubled with worms--a not unfrequent cause of
sickness.
In cases of special sickness, of course, other means have to be
employed, and special medicines given, in order to restore the animal
to health. As all carnivora suffer, to a large extent, from the same
complaints as human beings, they can be treated in much the same way.
When the sickness cannot be cured by a change of diet, a certain amount
of medicine is mixed with the water or milk. Should the animal refuse
to take it in this way, a tempting piece of fresh meat is plugged with
the medicine, inserted in capsules, and in this way the animal takes
his dose without tasting it.
But it is only in extreme cases that I consider it a good thing to give
medicine. The best way is to let the animals fast for a time, give them
plenty of fresh water, or a little milk, as much fresh air and exercise
as possible, and leave the rest to Nature, which in nearly all cases
effects a complete cure.
Bears are occasionally given raw meat, but it is not a good thing
to give them too much. They thrive best on cooked meats, fish, and
bread--dry or soaked in milk. A polar bear is extremely fond of fat
pork, and would go through a great deal to get even a small bit; but
one of the greatest delicacies you can give a polar bear is a dish of
fish-oil. His relish and keen appreciation are well worth seeing, and
no connoisseur could display greater enjoyment over a choice entrée
than a polar bear over a dish of fish-oil.
Polar bears need special care in many ways. The great change of
climate is one of their worst trials, and there is no doubt that in
the hot weather they suffer very much, no matter what one does for
their comfort. Even in cold, frosty weather, a polar bear, when being
trained, will get completely played out long before any ordinary bear
would consider he had begun. In a very short time he will begin to pant
and show signs of distress.
In training her group of polar bears, Mlle. Aurora took great pains to
give the animals as little exertion as possible, and those who have
seen this group perform will remember that the chief things they do
are to take up positions on various stands and make pretty groupings.
In this way she has certainly succeeded in getting one of the finest
groups of polar bears on exhibition, while there is also the comforting
feeling that the animals are not being made to do more than they are
able.
One of the most interesting but, at the same time, uncertain things
in the care of wild animals is the rearing and feeding of cubs. Cubs
vary in size, health, strength, disposition, and temperament as much
as children, and the care and treatment of them have to be regulated
accordingly.
The mothers differ likewise. Many lionesses and tigresses make
extremely good mothers, many do not. Some take the greatest care of
their young, others appear to be absolutely indifferent, while a very
few will even turn on their offspring and bite them viciously. The last
case more often comes from worry or excitement; the mother is a little
run down at the time, and unless absolute quiet is given her, she is
apt to vent it on the little ones.
It will be readily understood that in an exhibition which is open to
the public all day long it is extremely difficult to give any animal
absolute quiet; but we always do our best, and it is wonderful how
tender-hearted the roughest of men become toward the animals at a time
like this. From the very commencement we try to make life as easy and
comfortable as possible for the animal with young.
She is given an extra-roomy cage, placed where she will not be more
disturbed than is necessary. Her health and diet are most carefully
looked after, and she is watched continually. As soon as she appears
uneasy, the cage is covered up, and she is left to herself until she
has had plenty of time to settle down with her little ones. The cage is
not opened to the public, as a rule, for two weeks, and even then great
care has to be taken.
Should the cubs be fairly healthy, the mother takes care of them,--if
she is a good mother,--and they remain with her for about eight or ten
weeks, although the length of time depends entirely on the mother and
the growth and well-being of the cubs. Weaning is begun gradually. At
first the cubs are taken away from the mother in the morning and given
back to her at night, and there are occasionally some very lively times
during this episode, as it is an extremely dangerous proceeding to
take the cubs away from the lioness or tigress. A small door is made
in the cage, and while the mother’s attention is attracted in another
direction, the cubs are either coaxed out, or pushed through the door
with an iron rod, and received in a basket or in the arms of one of the
keepers.
When this takes place there is always a pathetic scene. The mother
gives a peculiar moaning cry, low and short, as though breathless,
while the cubs answer shrilly and make as much fuss and noise as they
are able. The mother holds her head in the air when the cubs have
disappeared, and listens eagerly for the direction from which the cries
of her little ones come, and after answering with another moan tries to
get out in the direction of the cries.
In the meantime the cubs are given a bone with a little piece of raw
meat on it, generally beef. This takes up all their attention for the
time being, and they will wrestle and tussle over these bones as though
they had never known any other food. In this manner the day passes; but
as evening comes on, the cubs become restless and cry pitifully, while
the mother answers and listens attentively. When they are returned
to the cage there is even more danger, for nothing will attract the
mother’s attention then. She knows her cubs are being brought nearer to
her, and paces up and down, jumping up toward the top of the cage,
and doing her best in every possible way to get out.
[Illustration: LION MONARCHS IN INFANCY]
As soon as the cubs are once inside again, she lies down on the floor,
receiving them with great delight and giving little pleased cries of
welcome, licking the cubs carefully all over, and playing with them;
while the cubs jump about, roll over her, and show their pleasure
in various ways. After this has happened a few times, the cubs have
learned to eat meat, and sometimes, when the mother is fed, they will,
by united efforts, drag her portion of meat away and fight over it,
while she looks on, growling a little, but not interfering until they
grow tired, when she carries it off and eats it quietly at her leisure.
When the cubs are taken away from the mother entirely, they are fed
on soft food, milk, and an occasional bone, and soon begin to grow.
One of the greatest dangers to which cubs are subject are convulsions,
which appear to be partly caused by teething. In these cases certain
specifics are given, the cub is kept in the animal infirmary as quietly
as possible, and when it is better is returned to the other cubs. I
have noticed frequently, and I have no doubt others have noticed also,
that after convulsions cubs generally grow very fast, and in some cases
appear even better and stronger than the others.