STRANGE, IF TRUE.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2515, 27 January 1877, Page 3

STRANGE, IF TRUE.

From Berlin a remarkable zoological fact is reported worthy of Mr Darwin's attention. Some negroes, who are at present in the German capital, having visited tlie Zoological Gardens, the'whole animal world of African origin collected there was thrown into a state of excitement, partly even of ecstasy, at the sight of these dark familiar faces. The African

elephant became so exuberant in his joy that he capered about, performed a kind of solo dance. The giraffes galloped in their cages to and fro with such energy that the negroes had to be requested not to stop any longer there lest an accident should befall the animals. Even the dignified lions seemed to show by: an unaccustomed expression that they were quite alive to the occasion. The power of remembering their native country through an association of ideas arising from the appearance of black men, and the strength of their affection for their African home, was exemplified by this noteworthy scene. If such feelings can be evoked, by vague flashes of recollection among wild beasts,, observes the Examiner, how much more cultivated must be the mental faculties of domesticated aminals whose progenitors have through long ages been associated with mankind.