THE BEAST THAT LAUGHS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 44, 4 November 1893, Page 383

THE BEAST THAT LAUGHS.

One of the most despised of wild animals is that unprepossessing beast with a cheerful name, the laughing hyena. One would think from his name that he would be a jollylooking fellow, with a good-natured disposition and a w holesouled manner that would secure his election to the Board of Aiderman in the forest ward in which he lived. On the contrary, he is one of the most repulsive of animals, and his best friend (if he had any friends) could hardly say a good word for him. There has lately come to the menagerie in Central Park, New York, however, a little fellow of this species who has been named by his keeper ‘ Tummy,’and who seems to have some redeeming traits of character. A correspondent who lately interviewed Master Tummy, says :—

‘ He is now five months old, and a stout hearty young fellow, who has come through the dangers of the winter unhurt. His twin-brother was eaten by his mother at a very tender age. Tummy is now an animal of mark in the menagerie, as he possesses the most remarkable voice of any inmate of the carnivora house, notwithstanding the fact that the roaring line is among his neighbours. Everybody has heard of the laughing hyena, but how many have heard him laugh ? It is safe to say that few persons have had the experience until Tummy acquired this pleasing accomplishment. His parents and the other members of his race in the menagerie are not much given to laughing, owing, perhaps, to the saddening effects of a life of captivity. But Tummy has never known what it is to be free. The elder animals, however, are in the habit, it is said, of laughing among themselves at night, when they believe no human being is about to listen to them.

* The hyena’s laugh is a combination of a shout and a chuckle. It is louder than the ordinary human chuckle, and not so boisterous as a laugh. You will be most certain of hearing Tummy langh if you approach him at dinnertime. When a piece of meat is held in front of the bars, he will laugh continuously until it is given to him. Under these circumstances it is doubtful if his laugh means exactly the same thing as an outburst of human mirth. It may, however, be an expression of pleasurable anticipation. It is such a loud and startling sound that those who hear it for the first time jump as if an explosion had occurred in their neighbourhood. ‘A few words should be said in praise of Tummy’s character. He is a peculiarly amiable hyena, and promises to grow up with fewer moral defects than his father or mother. He not only laughs more than they do, but shows a genuine desire to please his keeper. He hails bis approach with various signs of joy, and rubs noses with him whenever he gets an opportunity. Tummy is now more than half-grown.’