CIRCUS LION ESCAPES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21396, 20 October 1934, Page 3 (Supplement)

CIRCUS LION ESCAPES

CROWD FLEES IN PANIC HORSE MAULED TO DEATH A circus lion broke from a cage during a street parade at Richmond, Virginia, United States, a few weeks ago, and spread panic among a crowd of 15,000 men, women and children. The beast drove spectators before it for half a block, then turned aside to claw a horse to death and to injure another before it was cornered and killed. The parade of the Hagenback-Wallace Circus, which featured a trained lion act by Clyde Beatty, had just left the fair grounds and come into the main thoroughfare, when the lion bounded out of its cage. The gala scene was transformed into one of fright. Thousands of bystanders fled. Mothers herded children into doors, vestibules and the nearest buildings. Hundreds, finding no immediate haven, ran in all directions. Police alonpc the route of the parade assembled quickly. A in the vanguard, rushed the infuriated beast and emptied his service revolver. None of his shots was fatal, but a petrol station worker was wounded slightly m the arm by one of the bullets. Apparently frightened by its freedom, and possibly wounded, the lion was becoming more dangerous. Its deep roar scattered 'he crowd still further. Circus attendants and guards armed with rifles soon reinforced the police cordon. The beast slowllv gave ground, but the armed men withheld fire, fearing their bullets might find a mark m the crowds. 11 The lion was. herded into thp sheet metal plant of a locomotive factory a few moments later. The doors were closed and the beast was brought to bay. A guard opened fire, and after several rounds the lion rolled over and died. ______