A Blog designed for discussion of topics related to, but not limited to, Circus, Zoos, Animal Training, and Animal Welfare/Husbandry. Sometimes opening up the dialog is the best starting point of all. And if for nothing else when people who agree and don't agree, get together and start discussing it, it will open up a lot of peoples minds. Debate and discussion even amongst themselves opens a window where there wasn't one before.
Billy is a grandson of the original Billy Smart. The given name of the gentleman you see here is actually Wilson, but as smart is a well-known name in circus, he annexed it. He (plus wife Ingrid - seen here - and daughter Gisele) were booked to for 2 years on RBBB, with Billy as elephant superintendent. His own 3 elephants went with him. One was spooked at having to board the train and ran off, stopping when Billy called his name. No "violence" involved. responded to voice alone. Contract scapped, but return trip to Europe provided. Elephants have been sold. Billy and Ingrid now work a liberty act with dogs. Alsatians, in fact. Some prefer to call the dogs German Shepherds.
John, Do you mean to tell me I could have used Gebel or Baumann instead of Burck? Being German and all. Or does it have to be "blood?" Let me know as soon as possible before Adam Burck-Semonit leaves out of here, so they have time to reprint the programs. I'll also let Casey McCoy Cainan-Marcan know at the same time. Wade
The photo show Billy Wilson-Smart with 4 Smart's éléphants in 1981 in Cirque PINDER (France)
ReplyDeleteYou are right Claude.That's Billy
ReplyDeleteWilson -Smart.
Claude or Rob,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have never heard of Billy Wilson-Smart. How does he figure into the Smart lineage?
Wade
Billy is a grandson of the original Billy Smart. The given name of the gentleman you see here is actually Wilson, but as smart is a well-known name in circus, he annexed it. He (plus wife Ingrid - seen here - and daughter Gisele) were booked to for 2 years on RBBB, with Billy as elephant superintendent. His own 3 elephants went with him. One was spooked at having to board the train and ran off, stopping when Billy called his name. No "violence" involved. responded to voice alone. Contract scapped, but return trip to Europe provided.
ReplyDeleteElephants have been sold. Billy and Ingrid now work a liberty act with dogs. Alsatians, in fact. Some prefer to call the dogs German Shepherds.
John.
John,
ReplyDeleteDo you mean to tell me I could have used Gebel or Baumann instead of Burck? Being German and all. Or does it have to be "blood?" Let me know as soon as possible before Adam Burck-Semonit leaves out of here, so they have time to reprint the programs. I'll also let Casey McCoy Cainan-Marcan know at the same time.
Wade
Addendum to John,
ReplyDeleteIn regards to those German Shepard deals, some prefer to call them wolves here. LOL
Wade