GERMANY'S NEW HERO.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 136, 11 June 1927, Page 36

GERMANY'S NEW HERO.

MAX THE STORK ATTACKS 14 LIONS. Germany has a new hero. His name is Max, and lie is a stork, states the Berlin correspondent of the London '•Daily Chronicle." Max achieved fame when he took the offensive against 14 lions and drove them into such a state of terror that only the intervention of their trainer prevented them from dying of fright. Thr scene of the combat was a circus tent at Elberteld.

Max. who is attached to the circus in an ornamental capacity and was roaming about in search of adventure, slipped unnoticed into the den into which the lions had just been transferred from their cages for a dress rehearsal with their trainer. Almost before the trainer was aware of the invader's presence Max spread his wings and, with a challenging cackle, advanced upon the biggest of his enemies, a lion called Menelik. Apparently appalled by this strange spectacle, with its menacing beak, Menelik bounded across the den seeking refuge among the other 13 lions. Encouraged by this evidence of timidity, Max, still cackling, broke into the group, stabbing with his long beak. All 14 lions broke into panic. They raced about the den, overthrowing pedestals and other "props' 1 used when they give their public performance. Eventually the trainer had himself to tackle the combative stork, which he drove into a corner, while allowing the lions to return through the reopened grille into their cages. In the meantime Max advanced from his corner, stood in the middle of the deserted battlefield, spread his wings, and uttered a loud cackle in celebration of his victory over the king of beasts.