GERMANY’S NEW HERO.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3383, 18 July 1927, Page 7

GERMANY’S NEW HERO.

Germany has u new hero. His name is Max, and he is a stork, states the Berlin correspondent of tlie London “Daily Chronicle.” Max achieved fame, when lie tool? 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. Tlie scene of the combat was a circus tent at Elherfelcl. Afax, 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 tins strange spectacle, with its menacing beak, Menelik bounded across the don seeking refuge among the other 13 lions. Encouraged by this evidence of timidity. Max, still" cackling, broke into the group, stabbing with Ids long beak. ° X \U 14 lions broke into panic. They raced about the den, overthrowing pedestals and other “props” used when they irivc their performance. ” Evidently the trainer had himself to tackle the combative stork, which he drove into a corner, while allowing the lions to return through the re-opened pride into their cages. In the meantime Max advanced from his confer, 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.