A LION-TAMER ATTACKED IN A CIRCUS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3002, 9 November 1882, Page 3

A LION-TAMER ATTACKED IN A CIRCUS.

A deplorable accident has occurred at Cannes to a member of Sanger’s circus troupe. A negro, who was replacing the regular lion tamer —who was wounded at Freyjns —was entering the lions’ cage when his foot slipped, and ibo fell on his face. The lions, with their natural instinct, rushed upon the prostrate man, and repeatedly tore his flesh—a young one especially holding him with persistence and tearing his thigh. An assistant rushed to his rescue, and repelled four oi the lions with his pitchfork, but the fifth refused to let go till a redhot bar had been thrust down his mouth, when the unfortunate negro, still conscious dragged himself out of the cage, and was carried off bleeding profusely. The spectators meanwhile were almost paralysed with horror, which was soon changed into panic, when it was perceived that the doors were open for at least eighty seconds while the negro was being carried off. The lious might have sprung upon the assembly. A rush was made to the entrances, and the alarm which spread outside, was only ended by the opportune action of an assistant, who slammed the door of the cage. The poor negro having reached the hospital, though accompanied by a doctor, was refused admission because he was without an order. He was taken back to the circus, and again to the hospital, where he was finally admitted. .This gross mismanagement cost him his life, for he died from the loss of blood daring the double journey. This is the third accident which has occurred in this troupe.