BABOONS AT BAY.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1924, Page 4

BABOONS AT BAY.

FIERCE FIGHT IN CIRCTS. SYDNEY, Dee. 27. All the strength and cunning of half a dozen or more men had to l o exercised to the utmost in a desperate fight with two infuriated baboons ; t Perry Bros’s circus on Friday night. A few yards away, all unconscious of the life and death struggle proceeding so near at hand, a largo audience, as-

sembled for a night’s amusement, laughed at the quips of a clown, and applauded the antics of a trapeze artist. Had they realised the imminent danger in which they stood of the wild creatures bounding through the shoot of canvas which alone divided them from the scene of the fight, it is certain that a panic would have ensued. The presence of mind of the circus hands, however, kept tlw? entertainment- going at full swing, although every available man was wanted *ol the difficult task of cornering the baboons.

The incident occurred when the manager of the circus, Mr R. AA a;., with two men went to transfer the female baboon from one cage to another. Apparently the animal was in a ferocious frame of mind and was cnnoingly awaiting a chance for mischief. No sooner was the cage door opened limn with a hideous cry she bounded but, and with a second spring, rapid as lightning, lauded on Mr Way’s shoulders, knocking him down. In moment, with flaming eyes, she

was crouching ready for another leap towards the prostrate man when, with complete disregard ol the dangei. one of the attendants ran up to the beast and struck it a heavy blow on the skull with a stick that he was carrying. With a cry of dismay the baboon leapt on to one of the tent pole* and swarmed to Ihe top. Imm "hUn point of vantage she surveyed the übseqnent proceedings, which "etc sli.li eicnt!y diverting, for. tlm cage dooi having been left open in the exeiiement "the male baboon, who had dashed to The front of the cage and stood grasping the bars and slumping bis feet no sooner saw the blow sti in k than he also bounded into the middle struck the blow, it -milled and gnashof the tent. Facing llie man who had cd it' jaws with a fearful exhibition of mingled rage and wholesome respect for human authority and pouei inculcated by years of circus (raining. The moment of indecision was probable the salvation of the man -.id flu' undoing of the baboon, lor the aftendnnts had time to take in the dangerous it Mat ion, and all turned to lace He frothing, beast. Ylitli a nmnliving growl il leapt blindly forward, knocking one of lie- men down and tearing'l he calf of his leg with ns c!;ivv-. Turuiihj; ujsni tin* |no>irat(‘ mini it: inutlo a s:\va <4O s!ia|> at' JiK head, hut fort una.'lcly the jaw- closed on tlie man's 1. If liai. The rapid aei ii >ii . aouai'enlly. mid been closely tal-

lowed le, the female from tlm top of ihe i,.ni pole, io who Ii il clung with fury, siccing the men fully occupied, an 1 her spoils)-' hard pressed, . she made one wild leap into the middle of ihe lent. ami landed on the buck of i,no ol ;h. men and nearly bit. off one of bis index fingers with a vi'-iou-sit.'ip ol her jaws. A moment tafei she was I,aside Ihe male baboon displaying altim-t human solicitation for !ii- safety. With both hand, crossed on bis shoulders she appeared in a .eeond or two to satisfy horsell that be was imliuri. The mak- baboon in the meal'll ime stood narling and beating himself to gr-micr pa- -ion for another on.-lii'lglii. but at Hint m.mieiP the >bii had ailraeted Dm otln r nllendaut... who rush, d fearlessly in to tina s.- mt a ime of their comrade-. Di-iVer.-ed by ice teiiiioi'i-enieiif>. the male baboon made a da-h for the main tent .■in , a me, v. hole Ids apt.'oU ran re would have tail'll riion-ands oi ri ator-. long whip .ml !" •' ! -1 i } . other entrance leading to tin open. Another man pluekily interposed himself. waving Ip- arms like n mar.

drafting sheep, .'.gain the instinct il the circus cowed the wild creature, wiih It stood for a moment- by the -ide of its male at hay. Meanwhile Hie manager had rushed from the ten! and relumed with a brace ol revolvi is. whiv|i In- held reedy for use. Tie- , however, we . unueeessuiy. lor others had arrived with a great cord lief. Throwing this rapidly from hand In hand the men encircled I lie eroiichftg beasts, and .-non had them 11«• 11 >1 < - --ly entangled, hut st niggling feroeiotisiy and chewing impotriilly at the hemp'-u strands. It is a remarkable fact that after s i violent an encounter the men should have still'ered no really serious injury. Air Way had lo he treated at the Newcastle lio-pilal.