Scuttling ballast/props/requisites in a cage act.

Above as Josip Marcan in 1969 and below is the act in 1976. You will note the same barrel above in the arena below. In 1977 when the act was made to 17 there was not room for the barrel. In addition to 8 additional animals there were now 5 waltz pedestals in the same size arena. Against great protest, and claims of "ruining the act," I added a leap frog and jump over, and eliminated the barrel. In the front of the cage is a "fire hurdle" which was eliminated and a hind leg walk added. As stated below a fold over bridge was designed which eliminated a bridge. All that had do be done was roll 8 tigers over in less room then there was for 4, as the pyramid had to be moved forward into the working space to make room for the additional animals. Because Jean Michon had trained 9 of the animals to lay in a curve on the right side of the cage, we could lay 8 straight from the left side, and curve it from the middle to the right. Otherwise there would not have been enough room to lay down and sit up, 17 in the front 1/3 of the cage. The act Josip trained in 1969 was the foundation of the act that went to Ringling, then went to Europe with Campolongo, came back with Allen Gold, then went back to Europe in 2004 with Susan Lacey, over 30 years after it was first concieved.