Thomas Macarte

While the circus was performing in Liverpool Macarte was walking past the lion cage when a lioness seized him by the left forearm, causing such severe damage it had to be amputated.

[2] Perhaps as a result of this attack, Macarte did not always feel comfortable working with big cats and on occasion was known to imbibe hard spirits before a performance for a little "Dutch courage".

However, despite his undoubted expertise Macarte was nervous around big cats and in addition had a habit of turning his back on them in the ring, leading to his being described as a "very bold and adventurous man [who] had been frequently cautioned respecting his rashness".

After giving his usual talk about the big cats to the audience Macarte stepped into the cage, where he was attacked by the lions, which he attempted to fight off with his sword and a pistol loaded with blanks but they overcame him.

[4][5][6] A reporter for the Manchester Evening News described the attack: A very shocking affair took place last night in Bolton ... Part of the performance consists of a 'lion hunt,' during the course of which five large lions are put through a variety of movements by a man, dressed in a French uniform [sic], whose name is given in the bills as 'Massarti', but whose real name is Thomas Macarte... Last night, about half-past ten o’clock, the last representation in connection with the 'farewell visit' of the establishment was given, and during its progression Macarte slipped and fell to the floor while engaged in a large cage with the five full grown lions.

Within the den a frightful tragedy was enacted, the cries of the unhappy man struggling in the fangs of the savage brutes, being scarcely heard amid their roaring.

In the large assemblage of visitors, stalwart men shrieked, women tore their hair and fainted, and many were unable to seek their homes until a considerable time had elapsed.