Newman, E., 1872. The female rhinoceros: succesful removal of her horn. Zoologist (2) 7: 3061-3062
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| Location: |
Captive - Europe |
| Subject: |
Morphology - Horn |
| Species: |
Indian Rhino |
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Removal of horn from female Rhinoceros unicornis . Some time back I published a brief notice of a peculiar infirmity of the female Indian rhinoceros at the Zoo (Zool. S. S. 2341), namely, that her horn was loose and toppled forward, so as to come into contact with her nose: this irritated the part against which it rested, eventually causing a sore, which seemed to render the beast wretched and ill-tempered. A consultation among the authorities took place, and it was decided that amputation of the horn was the only remedy: and Mr Bartlett undertook and has accomplished the difficult task. The idea of entering the den was not to be entertained for a moment: it would be impossible for an operator, however skilful, however daring, to do this with safety. Mr Bartlett saw at once that the feat must be effected from the outside, and that the strategy of a Moltke would be required for its accomplishment: he has proved himself equal to the occasion. A long and diligent study of the characters of animals in confinement had convinced him that kindness would do a great deal, and also that a kind of mesmeric conquest can be gained over them by friction.. Bartlett determined on his course of action, and no sooner was this resolved on tha he entered on his campaign: first he fed the creature every day with cakes and buns; then, inducing her to come to the bars while engaged in the discussion of these dainties, he rubbed her face continuously with his hands: from the first her eyes were shut during the rubbing process, and she exhibited every symptom of intense enjoyment. The next step was to accustom her to the action of a saw, and for this purpose, while still in a state of coma, a rough stick was introduced and was rubbed backwards and forwards on the horn with a sawing motion; this also was taken in good part; the huge creature seemed highly to appreciate the additional attention. The enemy was thus virtually conquered: as there is no apparent sensation in the horn, there was no apprehended danger of causing pain. So a time for the operation was agreed on, a well-swt saw was procured, and everything prepared. In the morning Mr. Bartlett renewed his blandishments; the creature came with the utmost docility to receive them, and the surgical operation was commenced and continued until the horn was cut three parts through, when she discovered that something unusual was going on. Then she grunted loudly to show her displeasure, and the saw was instantly withdrawn: being under no restraint she rushed from the front of the den and ran round and round, emitting a series of angry snorting grunts. It is presumed that the almost total severance of the horn caused it to press against the sore on the nose, and hence the exhibition of temper on the part of her ladyship. The operator was now completely nonplussed, and discontinued his labour, postponing his task sine die, when by good fortune the creature by her restlessness managed, somehow or other, I will not say exactly how, to break through the unsawn portion of the horn, which fell to the ground, a weight of 8 ? pounds. The state of the under surface of the horn showed how necessary the operation had become; the sore on the nose was found to be a serious affair, but is now rapidly healing, and the thanks of all naturalists are due to Mr Bartlett for having so skilfully accomplished a most difficult and dangerous task.
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The female rhinoceros: succesful removal of her horn
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