BROKEN-HEARTED GORILLA

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2307, 26 July 1921, Page 4

BROKEN-HEARTED GORILLA

FRIENDLESS AND ALONE,

‘•John Daniel,” the only gorilla on public exhibition in the world, died at a New York c-ireus of a broken heart, while his former English mistress. Miss Edna Cunningham, who had sold him to the circus managers for £I,OOO, was on the ocean eu route from London to try to cure him. John, who was four years of age, was captured in the Congo, as bought for exhibition in New York. He arrived safely, but began to pine, and refused to take any interest in anything, and the circus managers were finally compelled to cease exhibiting him. Doctors were called m, and declared that he was dying because he considered himself friendless and alone. They suggested inviting Miss Cunningham to come to New York would make John take an interest in life. . , While Miss Cunningham owned John in London she taught him inanv tricks, and he showed great affection for her. The circus managers cabled to Miss Cunningham, explaining John’s condition, and she left England fpr America. Ihe summons for her, however, was sent a week too late, the doctors being unable to keep John alive. When in London the gorilla used to watch the people from the window, and would often open the casement and walk on the balcony and return to the room, earefullv clos ing the window after him. His great delight was in turning the starting-handle of a motor car. and when lie heard the engine moving would take his place in the car. He was also an adept in removing hi> mistress’ boots, and it is said behaved quite like a gentleman at table.