2-982-166 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Prince of Wales's Elephant charged by a Tiger, 1876. The future King Edward VII shoots tigers during a royal visit to India. 'The tigers, finding themselves hemmed in, rushed furiously round the circle, roaring loudly. The elephants were trumpeting, men shouting, and it was a scene of great confusion...the elephant ridden by his Royal Highness was attacked. Though a staunch animal, this elephant did not keep his front towards the tiger, but turned so as to receive the tiger upon his vast haunch. This movement sent the mahout and the other persons upon the elephant reeling backwards; but the Prince instantly recovered himself, coolly turned round, and fired. The tiger was killed, his head being at that time very near the legs of Mr. Peter Robertson, the Prince's attendant, then seated behind him. Four tigers were killed at this one spot...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.