Skegness Magazine

1938

Elizabeth Christens Lion Cub
NEW EXPERIENCE FOR SKEGNESS-BORNFILM STAR.
EASTER WEEK ARRIVAL.
“I christen you ‘Liz.’”
A ten-days-old lion cub had the first great thrill of its life at Butlin’s Skegness Zoo on Monday, when it was honoured by being christened by Miss Elizabeth Allan, the Skegness-born film star, who gracefully permitted drops of champagne from a wineglass to fall on the baby lion’s head as she pronounced the magic words.
As the last word was uttered the little woolly creature opened it mouth wide and gave vent to a baby lion roar. Whether it was a demonstration of thankfulness or protest only those familiar with the lion language could, say.
“Gracie,” the mother lion who delivered her progeny on Good Friday, looked on approvingly and washed “Liz” with vigour on her offspring being returned to the cage, devoting special attention to that part of the head whereon the fruit of the vine had fallen.
The ceremony was also attended by Mrs. Allan, the film star’s mother, her niece and nephew—Miss and Master Tim Pepper, and Mrs. W. E. Butlin.