FIGHT TO THE DEATH

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20733, 17 February 1939, Page 2

FIGHT TO THE DEATH

BATTLE IN MOSCOW ZOO HYBRID BEATS LEOPARD Many people in Moscow, especially j children, are mourning the death of { ” Achilles,” the prize leopard of the ! city zoo. “ Achilles ” lost his life as f a result of a battle with the hybrid i “ Apollo,” a cross between a lion and ' a tiger. 1 It all started when the hybrid’s keeper carelessly left the cage door open at feeding time. “ Apollo ” j seized the chance, threw the keeper ' off his feet, and leapt to freedom. I A group of visitors who happened 'to watch the scene were fortunately |so fascinated that they did not realise the danger, and did not move or shriek—which would have attracted “ Apollo's ” attention, with possibly tragic results. As if realising the danger to the visitors, the leopard “ Achilles,” in an adjoining cage, beat against the grate with his powerful tail and jaws , end roared defiance. In one magnificent jump “ Apollo ” threw himself at the luckless ” Achilles,” whose only means of defence were his paws. Courageous Director A woman keeper in the meantime, had succeeded in quietly leading the visitors from the danger zone. Simultaneously the zoo’s director and an assistant who had handled ” Apollo ” arrived on the scene of action, attracted by “ Achilles’ ” roar, which soon changed to a piteous whine. Apparently satisfied with li is victory '■ Apollo ” left the bleeding leopard and bounded over the fence, intending to take in the sights of the zoo. Armed only with an iron rod, which both men knew from previous experience only infuriated " Apollo ” instead of frightening him, the director arid his assistant courageously blocked his way. The beast roared, and was preparing to jump, when the assistant called him by name and quietly ordered him to take his place. " Apollo ” recognised the voice and the words. He turned slowly and majestically proceeded to his cage. He halted with a growl before the bleeding ” Achilles,” but the leopard lay motionless and, urged on by the familiar, insistent voice, “ Apollo ” returned to captivity.