admin | March 16, 2009
Mr. Louis Roth was the chief animal trainer at the Selig Zoo. The zoo opened in 1916. Mr. Roth also became famous for his motion picture work with many different wild animals. Louis Goebel called him the world greatest wild animal trainer. He also trained at World Jungle Compound. He was Mabel Stark’s first husband.
thecircusblog | March 16, 2009
Melvin Koontz and Jackie during a performance. Photo taken in the early 1930’s. Mr Koontz began his motion picture work at Luna Park with Jackie and later worked at the World Jungle Compound at Thousand Oaks, CA. He was noted for the animal fight scenes doubling for the actors. He first started his career at Selig’s Zoo […]
thecircusblog | March 7, 2009
This picture was taken just before Chet Juszyk was mauled by Brutus, one of his lions. This occurred during a performance at Jungleland. Chet survived the attack but needed months of medical attention and rehabilitation. I saw him months later and was relieved that he was doing well.
thecircusblog | March 5, 2009
This photo taken in the early or mid 1930’s on Ringling or Al G. Barnes. Terrel looks very comfortable here with this full arena. The big cat trainers of the circus had a very special talent….they could read their cats. Constant care, close relations and the trainer always being the pride leader were necessary ingredients for […]
thecircusblog | February 26, 2009
I never knew Josip Marcan but I admired his tiger act. His presentation was first class, one of a kind. Thank you Wade Burck for the information concerning this fine performer and trainer.
thecircusblog | February 26, 2009
A series of tigers jumping through the fire hoop. Most animals are deathly afraid of fire. It takes time and training to accomplish this type of trick. Sometimes I wonder if the audience really appreciates the time & effort involved. Other trainers always do.
thecircusblog | February 26, 2009
More great pictures of Josip Marcan I wish I could have seen this act in person, but I was busy working a comedy chimp act in another part of the world.
thecircusblog | February 26, 2009
Here, Josip Marcan and his tiger show their confidence in each other. This goes much deeper than just animal training. There is a concept with many people, that animal training has to be forceful and cruel. This is not true. Although the trainer must maintain the alpha position …..that position is arrived at because the animal feels […]
thecircusblog | February 25, 2009
Here is a stunning picture of a well trained tiger. Year 1959 on the Tom Pack Gran Circo, Imperial Arena Mexico. This is a photo of, Josip Macran It is very easy to confuse the two trainers Bouty and Marcan because their wardrobe was very similar and they both worked bare chested.
