Escaped lioness mauls coach horse

By Fran Lockhart

which I have quoted from Public menageries began to significantly replace the single exhibit during the 19th century. A collection of caged or chained exotic creatures was seen as an even greater attribute to the exhibitors subjugation and acquisition abilities as well as being a money earner. These collections also took to the road to exhibit in more provincial areas such was the demand for such spectacles. During one such trip in 1816 it was reported that a lioness from Ballad's menagerie escaped from her crate, whilst travelling over rough country tracks, and savaged one of the horses drawing the Exeter mail coach (Ritvo 1987). Such escapes were possibly not an uncommon occurrence.

Reference:
RITVO H. (1987) The Animal Estate (Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachussetts)

Fran Lockhart

1816

---

Return to index	Return to Scottish Big Cats	Return to Escapes & Captures

---