ELEPHANT GOES MAD

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 654, 4 May 1929, Page 27

ELEPHANT GOES MAD

WAS ANNOYED BY PARROTS A giant elephant recently had to be electrocuted at the Hagenbeck institutions iu Hamburg because of its violent fits of insanity. Investigation by competent authorities established that the elephant’s disturbed mental condition was the result of the presence near his cage of a couple of parrots. The incessant cackle and gossip ol his feathered neighbours had driven the giant to desperation and insanity.^ Another case recorded is that or a panther suffering from anaemia. To improve the animal’s health it was decided to place his cage in a meadow, where he would have plenty of air and sunshine. His physique actually began to improve, and he acquired a greater interest in life. It so happened that some butterflies strayed into the panther’s cage from time to time. At first that proved a fine diversion for the huge felme. But gradually his inability to catch the winged insects drove him to exasperation. He howled and cried in disappointment when they fluttered out of the cage unharmed. Presently the sight of a butterfly or any kind of fly sent him into tantrums of rage and anguish, and in the end he went stark ma<i and had to be destroyed.