MAULED BY A LIONESS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 25 September 1930, Page 7

MAULED BY A LIONESS

ATTACK ON A TRAINER

MAN RUSHES TO THE RESCUE

While attending an evening performance at a menagerie on Barry Island, a crowd of people tvere thrilled spectators of a lioness’ attack on a wild animal trainer. The victim of the incident, Captain Bert Clarke, of London, entered a cage containing two African lionesses' in readiness to give a show, and almost as 'soon as lie stepped forward one of tlie animals hurled herself upon him and buried her claws in his back.

Without hesitation, Sergeant-Major David Barclay, M. 0., D.C.M., and another trainer, who were standing close by, rushed into the cage to' the rescue. Pie pacified the lioness, which retired to a corner ,and then covered the retreat of Captain Clarke, who was able to drag himself out of the cage. The injured man was treated by ambulance men before he was taken to a hospital. Stitches had to be inserted in the wounds in his hack. He was also badly scratched on the arms and side. Sergeant-Major Barclay, the hero' of the incident, served with the Black Watch. He had been in charge of ferocious animals for a quarter of a century. Captain Clarke, he stated, had anticipated trouble with this particular lioness, and had been always on guard against an unexpected move. The creature, however, was too quick for him when he turned at the commencement of the performance.