Old Bolivar Gets Those Philly August Blues at the ZOO - The Usual - Inquirer 7 August 1900

BOLIVAR IS ON THE RAMPAGE

Big Man-Killing Elephant at the 

Zoo Worried by the Hot Weather 

In the Zoological Gardens the waning days of the torrid summer, instead of being referred to as "dog days," are known to the keepers as "elephant days." Old Bolivar, the ferocious male elephant, whose record is an unenviable one, is directly responsible for this queer term. Every year during the early part of August Bolivar acquires a dangerous case of sulks. Ordinarily savage and treacherous, he is on these occasions particularly wild and requires careful watching. Keeper Harrison, who presides over the destinies of the elephant house and who knows the huge animal's fancies and whims better than any other keeper, declared yesterday that the erstwhile terror of Forepaugh's circus was on his annual rampage and that for the next three weeks the other animals would get very little rest. 

"Just as soon as August rolls around," said Keeper Harrison, "Bolivar lets loose all his superfluous wickedness in a manner that is startling to say the least. The weather is responsible in a degree. The elephant is very susceptible to heat and when it becomes extremely warm things are sure to hum. This is the trouble with Bolivar. With the advent of a cool wave, which I sincerely trust will soon come along, he will become more quiet. At present I can only grin and-bear It." 

Bolivar's companion, Emprcss, the Indian elephant, apparently disapproves of his conduct, for she keeps on her own sido of the cage, refusing to notice him while he is In his ugly mood. She is also aware or the fact that if she follows Bolivar's example she will be deprived of her daily bath. In consequence she is on her good behavior. While being led out yesterday for her bath Empress playfully blew a quantity of hay on Bolivar's back. This little incident nearly caused a panic. Tho old man-killer, with a mighty trumpet of displeasure, threw his 6000 pounds against the iron bars In an effort to escape. A number of visitors, doubting the strength of the bars, rushed pell mell from the building. 

There was not the slightest danger, however, as It Is utterly impossible for the elephant to escape.


.