1914-07-25aff

In the summer of 1914, the star of zoo at Dundurn park was a lonely lion.

With the Ferari Shows in Hamilton, a relationship evolved between the City of Hamilton and the management of the circus :

“Geo. Wild, chairman of the Works Department of the Parks Board, is having troubles all his own these days in picking out of the Ferari menagerie on Barton street a suitable mate for Leo the Lion.

“The Parks Board has arranged to purchase a lioness, and has authorized Mr. Wild to select one of the four splendid beasts now on exhibition. Early next week he will take along some of the other members and endeavor to make a choice.

“The cost is expected to be about $300 or $400, although a good lioness costs as high as $1,500. However, Mr. Ferari, while not willing to give one away, is satisfied to sell one to the city at the amount he paid for it.

“The showman has also given the city valuable pointers in connection with the care of the big lion at the Dundurn zoo now, advising the board that it can use horseflesh  in feeding the beast as long as the horse is killed and dressed like ordinary cattle. This will be done in an effort to cut down the expenses of Leo. He now consumes daily meat worth several dollars.”¹

¹ “Leo’s Partner : Geo. Wild Trying to be Animal  Match Maker.”

Hamilton Herald.  July 25, 1914