THE LION WHO PINES FOR THE LIMELIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 21216, 24 September 1932, Page 5

THE LION WHO PINES FOR THE LIMELIGHT

The Zoo has arranged a special attraction for very young visitors, a small Shetland pony called Scrap. Last summer two Shetland ponies were trained to pull a little carriage. Rides in the pony cart drawn by these two animals, nicknamed Thunder and Lightning, proved such a huge success that another little Shetland pony has been bought to carry a passenger on his back.

Every fine afternoon he is taken out into tho gardens to get used to the sight of elephants, lions, tigers, and other unfamiliar creatures, and to learn the route he is to take when carrying a passenger. Ho is equipped with a tiny saddle and stirrups made specially for him, and looks an inviting little figure. He has charming manners and his appearance is delightful, for he has a tail that sweeps the ground, a flowing mane, and a forelock so long and thick that it almost hides his eyes. But this miniature steed will be the exclusive property of very young Zoo visitors, for no one whose weight exceeds four stone will be allowed to ride him. Scrap is small even for a Shetland pony, measuring only six hands. Yet he is not small because he is young, for he is said to be six years old. The Zoo has made one more purchase lately, but this is now at Whipsnade. When Bostock’s famous menagerie came to an end in January and tho f renter part of the stock was purchased y the Zoo, the collection sent to Whipsnade included two trained Indiah elephants. _ But only the smaller of them, Rosie, was bought by the Zoo; the other one, known as Dixie, was sent to Whipsnade to await a purchaser.

Now the Zoo has decided to buy her too; so instead of having to say goodbye to one another Rosie and Dixie, will continue to work together, side by side, giving rides to Whipsnade visitors.

However, one of the old Rostock lions is changing his quarters. He is a large black-maned lion who seems depressed by the quietness of Whipsnade. He refuses to share a homo with any other lion, and is believed to be pining for tho noise and bustle of large crowds of human admirers. So he is being sent to tho Lion House at the Zoological Gardens, where he will see plenty of visitors, and have every opportunity of getting a good share of attention.