Luna Park Zoo
Posted By thecircusblog on March 17, 2012
Joe Metcalf stands on the left of this photo with Jenny, one of the zoo elephants. Before the Luna Park Zoo was renamed it was called the Selig Zoo. Change of ownership caused the change. Now it is the Los Angeles Zoo. I remember Joe Metcalf so very well from the days of the 101 Ranch Wild West & Circus in 1945 and part of 46. He and his wife Anna worked the elephant Babe on the show. Photos of the act can be seen in categories 101 Wild West Circus. Joe used to drink a little now and again and there were times a little too much before the act. It made no difference, Joe would just stand in one spot leaning on his long cane bull hook while Babe and Anna went though the routine. There were about 7 minutes of tub and spindle tricks along with lay down and setups with Anna’s head and trunk mounts styling and smiling all the while. Then came the final bow. The applause was profound as Anna lead the way from the arena. Babe following and Joe would tip his hat and tail up with Babe. I would like you to know that Joe and Anna Metcalf were two of the finest people I have ever known and I dearly loved them both…….A foot note. I also would like to add that in his younger years Joe Metcalf worked and handled some of the toughest elephants in our business.
About the author
thecircusblog
My name is Ivan M. Henry and I am the 4th generation of a circus/show business dynasty. I hope you enjoy the blog.Comments
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