Circus Animals

Children's Literature

In this fascinating insight into the selection and training of the elephants, lions, tigers, leopards, and horses that perform in the rings of the big tops, the teaching methods of outstanding animal experts such as the late Gunther Gebel-Williams and his son Mark, who use patience, rewards, and gentleness in training a variety of animals; Graham Thomas Chipperfield, who specializes in lions and elephants; David Tetzlaff, a leopard expert; Charly Baumann, lions and tigers together; and tiger trainers Sara Houcke and Wade Burck are described. Incidences of tiger attacks, a rampaging elephant, and a lion who tried to bite off his tamer's head clearly indicate that this work is dangerous, yet the animals and their trainers usually get on well together. Natural movements such as rearing up on their hind legs are the basis of most of their tricks. The final chapter deals with various sanctuaries where retired circus elephants, horses, and big cats retire when they are too old to continue working comfortably. The excellent color photographs and a clearly written, interesting text are supplemented by a glossary, a list of circus animal organizations, an index, and an annotated reading list. It is part of the "Animals With Jobs" series. 2003, Kidhaven Press/Thomson/Gale,
— Patricia Dole