Arab Courier Attacked by Lions is not politically correct

Text from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

This dramatic moment was captured by renowned Frech taxidermist and naturalist Jules Verreaux in 1867. Gold medal winner at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, "Arab Courier Attacked by Lions" was one of the best-known and most ambitious dioramas of its time. This piece was acquired and first exhibited in this country by the American Museum of Natural History in New York. It was also displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 and was widely acclaimed. The Carnegie purchased this exhibit in 1898 for a mere $50!

The scene is set in North Africa in the mid 1800s and depicts a subspecies of lion now extinct. Barbary lions , once widespread throughout northern Africa, were exterminated by expanding human civilization early in the twentieth century.

The restoration of this exhibit was made possible by a generous gift from Safari Club International / Pittsburgh Chapter.

"I don't think it is fair, that lions and other animals can "attack" but elephant's can't, unless they are in the circus. Apparently, from what we have been told, they can only have "accidents." It surely will give folk's the wrong impression of lions and other animals. I suggest in an effort at fairness and political correctness for all animal's, including lions that they not be made to have "attacks" any more, and instead be allowed to have "accidents" like elephants. A good place to start with that alibi is with this historic scene. From now on it will be known as "Arab Courier having an accident with lions, caused by a glass wall in the exhibit."