THE FIRE AT BAKNUM'S MKNAGERIE.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2423, 21 January 1888, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE FIRE AT BAKNUM'S MKNAGERIE.

GREAT LOSS OF ANIMALb.

I.\TKM,rf>KS'(!K was received in New York on Monday from Bridgeport, Connecticut, of the destruction by lire on Sunday night of tho winter quarters of P. T. Uiruum's show Mid menagerie. It appears that the first intimation of the firo was given by tho roaring of the lions and tigers, and the struggling of the elephants to free themselves from the chains with which they wore secured for tho night. Six watchmen, who were on duty at. the time, endeavoured to stop tho progress of the flames, but without avaii. Fear of the uuitnals within, who were mad with terror, prevented a near approach to the burning pile, and within half-an-honr the entire building was consumed. Three elephants, including the well-known sacred white elephant, perished in the fltmi's. Thirty-six elephants broke from their fastenings, and dashed through the sides of tho burning building , , trumpeting , loudly in their terror. Six of these and a largo African hippopotamus rushed into tho streets, their bodies scorched sind blackened by the flumes, presenting a sickening; appearance. Theremainiug SO elephants and one lion escaped across tin , country towards I'nirnVld mid Cast.on. Their appoarauco caused grant alarm among tho inhabitant*, many of whom barred the doors and windows of their houses. The lion was discovered late at night in a barn devouring a cow which he had killed, and was immediately shot. Several porsons arc reported to have been tossed by the escaped elephants. Besides tho lions, tigers, and other quadrupeds, stallions, ponies, &c, and a lirge number of monkeys and cats, perished in the flames. All tho properties of tho show were also destroyed, tho loss being estimated at 700,000d015. On* of tho watchmen is missing. It is thought that the fire was tho work of an incendiary, as the watchman who first discovered tho outbreak was knocked down and stunned ■while giving the alarm. Among the elephants which were burned was" Jumbo's wife," an clsphuut named Alice. Tho damage caused by the destruction of Biirnnin's Show is estimated nt a million dollars. The lion escaped and traversed several miles of country, but was shot. The fire destroyed tho wholo collection of animals except the bears, which were in a separate house, and the performing ponios, which were away in the country.