The Holmfirth Tiger
The story of Fenella, the tiger
The Overend family from Holmfirth were circus entertainers and toured South Africa in 1939. During their tour they were offered two newly born tiger cubs to rear and although one of them soon died, they successfully reared the remaining one, Fenella. At the outbreak of World War II, they brought her back with them to live in Holmfirth. After a spell in quarantine, Fenella lived with the family who took her on long walks around Holmfirth. Many people, including the pupils of ‘The Nabb’ school (Holmfirth J & I), remember meeting her and recall amusing incidents involving her.
Fenella also went on tour briefly in circuses and theatres across Britain. Sadly, she died in 1950 but is still fondly remembered by her family and the people of Holmfirth.
South Africa is where Fenella came from»
Learning article provided by:
Huddersfield Local Studies Library |
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