POISONING AN ELEPHANT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10479, 26 June 1897, Page 2 (Supplement)

POISONING AN ELEPHANT.

Thb sequel to a remarkable story of the escape of an elephant at Liverpool is now announced. It appears' that, having been finally captured ab Netherton, a remote country spot some miles from Liverpool it was thought unadvieable that the elephant should <be brought back to the city, lest it should break away and do further damage. Accordingly the animal was kept chained by the forelegs in an outhouse on the farm on which it was captured, throe keepers being detached to look after it. The problem of what to do with the beast was solved in a somewhat heroic manner, the owners having decided that it should be killed. Accordingly on Saturday, May 8, a party drove out to Netherton provided with prujsic acid and aconibmn, together with a quantity of buns, apples, carrots, etc., intended to be the medium for tho administration of the poison. The first attempt to destroy the elephant was made with aconitum, the method adopted being to excavate a large carrot and fill it with Hconitum, to plug it, and then to administer it to the elephant. This was done, and it was remarked by the medical man in charge that the elephant had swallowed enough poison to settle 2000 people. As a matter of tact, however, tho dote did not In the least discompose the animal, for it went on eating as before, and seemed to feel no ill effects. After a prolonged period of waiting, it was then resolved to try the pnneic add. A large brass syringe wan filled with the poison, and this was diecharged into the mouth of the elephant Whether or not much of the liquid was swallowed docs not appear very certain, for the elephant immediately took a large draught of water, with which it washed out its mouth find then discharged the fluid on to the ground, By way of lulling any suspicion which the be.ast ; might) by this time feel, some innocuous food was next given, and then the syringe, recharged and covered with a cloth by way of diseuiee, was again employed. • On this occasion the greater part of the liquid appeared to be absorbed by the elephant. Another dose similarly administered was afterwards given, -.but) a space of three hours was requited before a fatal result occ'urrod. After the lapse of this time the animal fell over on its tide and was found to be dead, The , carcase wu given to tb» Medial school, •