Bear Pits

It's fun to read newspapers. Check out this article about the world's kindest zookeeper, who once lived in London. I especially liked the part where "the bears were in an awkward temper."

ZOO-KEEPER IN BEAR PIT ALL FOR A LADY.

The keepers at London Zoo are called upon to perform all sorts of unexpected tasks. Last month one man was disturbed while he was having his lunch by an agitated woman who had dropped her hand bag in the bear pit. Would he get it for her? 

There were eight bears in the pit. The keeper went in, kept them off with a broom handle, and gathered up the scattered contents of the bag which had been torn to ribbons. He retrieved a batch of pound notes, two handsful of silver and odds and ends. 

On returning them to the owner he was told: "I have come from Huddersfield and left all my things at a London terminus and the cloakroom ticket is still in the bear-pit." 

The keeper went back to the pit and returned with the ticket. This time he was greeted with, "My spectacles are still down there." Down the keeper went again. By now the bears were in an awkward temper at the constant interruption but the keeper succeeded in finding the spectacles. When he returned them he was rewarded with a smile and the parting remark, "I am very indebted to you; thanks ever so much. I will leave you my name and address so that you can send along anything else you find. Good-day."

-Taken from The Singleton Argus, Monday, July 25, 1938