Poster ~ Gebel-Williams (1934-2001)

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Among a host of other performers (see detail pics), this 1977 Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey poster stars legendary animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams - universally known as The Greatest Wild Animal Trainer of All Time - during the height of his prime. Gebel-Williams, who just last year at age 65 survived brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, was with Ringling Bros. from 1969 until he succumbed to his cancer July 19 of this year. Diminutive at 5 ft. 4 in., Gunther trained tigers and leopards to jump through flaming hoops and wrap their bodies around his neck. He most recently served as vice president of animal welfare for Ringling Bros., putting him in charge of more than 400 animals. During his entire American performing career, Gunther never missed a show in more than 12,000 performances, an achievement honored by his induction into the Madison Square Garden's Walk of Fame in 1995. Though a gifted trainer, he lost teeth and bore deep scars from the huge animals with whom he performed over the years. In grand circus tradition, he was also honored as the 1999 inductee into the International Circus Hall of Fame, in Peru, Indiana. As an additional honor, Gunther served as grand marshal of the 40th annual Circus City Festival Circus Parade. "Contrary to years past, we made sure that he was the only person being inducted read more

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