CIRCUS - Gunther has passed on!

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Current News : One Thread

I knew Gunther vicariously through someone at the zoo where I volunteered many years ago. She was his honey when the Red Unit came to New England. In addition to his own physical prowess, she was particularly admiring of the gentle way he treated his tigers.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/200/nation/VENICE_Fla_AP_Gunther_Gebel_Wi:.shtml

VENICE, Fla. (AP) Gunther Gebel-Williams, the circus animal trainer who...

By Associated Press, 7/19/2001 22:16

VENICE, Fla. (AP) Gunther Gebel-Williams, the circus animal trainer who delighted ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, during his three decades with the Greatest Show on Earth, died of cancer Thursday at 66.

Gebel-Williams never missed a performance during his career with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. In addition to working the center ring with the circus, the flashy performer was featured in TV specials and advertisements.

Gebel-Williams performed with elephants, tigers, leopards, lions, panthers, mountain lions, horses, goats, camels, zebras and a giraffe.

He performed in the giant steel cage for the last time in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Sept. 27, 1998, when he filled in for his son, Mark Oliver.

Gebel-Williams, born in Schweidnitz, Germany in 1934, was introduced to circus life at 12 when his mother joined Circus Williams as a wardrobe assistant.

In 1968, Ringling Bros.' owner Irvin Feld acquired Circus Williams to get the talented Gebel-Williams, who then became a quick hit with American audiences.

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2001


Moderation questions? read the FAQ