Pulled Into Cage of Lions

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7486, 9 June 1934, Page 6

Pulled Into Cage of Lions

Zoo Employee’s Shocking ; :' v Death TRAGEDY IN FRONT OF KNOT OF SPECTATORS United Press Association —By Electrie Telegraph—Copyright. Received Frida}-, 7 p.m. LONDON, June S. & _ When a friend’s liat blew into the lions’ cage at. the Whipsnade zoo, Stanley Stenson, a van driver, employed by the zoo, climbed the barrier, crawled along the interior railings, and attempted to roach the hat. When four lions sprang up and seized Stenson's arm, several men tried to free him, but the Hops, infuriated by bi'ood, maintained their grip. One wrenched Stenson front the hands of his rescusers, and ha fell head-first 17 feet on to the concrete floor of the pit. The lions began mauling him as keepers rushed to tho scene. They kept two lions at buy with poles, but were compelled to tire revolvers before the others were driven off. A knot of spectators, among whom were fainting and screaming women, watched, horrified, as the keepers compelled the snarling beasts to retreat. Stenson's body was removed fertile inquest. A doctor was uncertain whether death was due to a fractured skull or whether the lions finally killed him.