CHLOROFORMED JAGUAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 March 1920, Page 1

CHLOROFORM ED JAGUAR.

•LONDON, January 14. The most peevish and disgusted beast at the London Zoological Gardens yesterday was the Black Jaguar Her dignity was hurt during the week-end, and she now refuses to leave hei sletl

ir.g quarters. Because her claws had grown too ong an operation was decided upon. A long narrow box, carpeted with straw was run up to her back door and left theic for a few days, and she entered and left it freely. Then, one treacherous morning, the extra room turned into

i nrisoii. , •* Next, a queer-looking box was placed end-on to the prison and a door slid open. Hoping for freedom, the jnguai made a dash through it, only to find herself in a. still smaller box with glass windows protected by bars. Faces looked through the glass and a most powerful scent was forced m by a man who worked a foot-pump and bellows from outßide. Then the jaguar made use of her wonderful gift of language (bulk for bulk she can out-swear a cat). In tne midst of an all-comprehensive ‘cuss that included the box, the beastly footpump, the keepers and the Council of the Zoological Society, she dropped stupefied with chloroform. Then (and not till then) a trap-door in front was opened for a couple of inches, and a p aw . at a time, her claws were cut back by a distinguished veterinary sur-

geon’s forceps. Slie can now prowl round her cage in comfort, hut prefers to sulk. Animals have really very short memories, however, and when in a year or two s time, it becomes necessary to repeat the operation, she will walk into the box once more, and no doubt, be as an-

noved as ever. , Claw-cutting would not be needed, l„,t for the fact that the great ■ eats seem to lose the instinct for wearing down their claws, although the Zoo gives them logs of wood for the pi nose. The claw, therefore makes an almost complete circle and gious m o t,U ; bad-tcmipered lady tiger is next on the L for treatment. She shamide about (walking very much like Mi „b,e. So the box-trap is already at the door of her dim.