Elephant Reprieved After Official Test Of Docility

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27434, 21 August 1954, Page 6

Elephant Reprieved After Official Test Of Docility

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, August 20. Under virtual sentence of death for killing her keeper last Tuesday. Jamuna, the Auckland Zoo's 4j-ton elephant, has won a reprieve. Released from her quarters today for the first time since Tuesday, Jamuna was ridden around a duckpond by Mr W. Butler, chairman of the City Council committee controlling the zoo. With Mr Butler on the elephant’s back was the zoo’s director. Mr R. W. Roach. A reporter accepted an invitation to “hop on board” for the second lap. On the third circuit, Mr Butler’s children (Mary, 14, Robert 10. Michael 7, and Paul, 3) were among the passengers. The elephant was docile, and enjoyed a meal of bread,

hay. carrots, and sweets after going through her paces. Told by Mr Roach that the elephant had not gone berserk and that the keeper’s death appeared accidental, Mr Butler decided to ride Jamuna before deciding whether she should be destroyed. Mr A. G. Paddy, aged 59. was “mahout” during today’s outing. H® has had considerable experience handling Jamuna during the last fouf years.

After riding Jamuna, Mr Butler said he agreed with Mr Roach that there had been no change in the elephant’s temperament. “Neither mv vnfe nor I would have allowed our children near the zoo had we had any doubts,” he said. Mrs Butler watched her family ride around the pond.