Here is answer to our question: Do you know George Wombwell?
“Yes, I am familiar with George Wombwell. He was an English menagerie owner and showman who lived from 1777 to 1850. He is particularly famous for his traveling menagerie, which he took around the country exhibiting exotic animals such as elephants, lions, tigers, and bears. His menagerie became one of the most famous in the world and he is considered one of the pioneers of modern zoos. He was also known for his philanthropy, and was a supporter of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.”
Nothing about dog fights in that answer. So what was response when the question was : Did George arrange lion fights?
“There is no evidence to suggest that George Wombwell arranged dog fights. In fact, Wombwell was known for his love of animals and was opposed to any kind of cruelty towards them. He was a proponent of treating animals with kindness and respect, and he took great care to ensure that the animals in his menagerie were well looked after. Wombwell’s legacy is that of a pioneering showman who helped to popularize the idea of exhibiting exotic animals to the public, and of a philanthropist who cared deeply about the welfare of animals.”
Maybe we cannot trust a chatbot, but clearly the underlying data suggest otherwise! It’s nice to know that consensus agrees with this websites persuasive , but well researched arguments.
I received a reply to my campaign to get the Dictionary upated, in view of the recently released biography (Vols I and II). It is reproduced here. At last,I feel we are getting the nation to change their view on George Wombwell’s life. Of course, I have no way of knowing when and ‘if’ the Dictionary will be updated. You can be assured that I will continue the campaign if they do not take into account the contents of the premier biography of George Wombwell, celebrated Menagerist.