I guess even dedicated animal people have to have a "play day." I wonder who was writing grant proposals on this day?
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Popular Science--1959 St. Louis Zoo
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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4 comments:
The older gentleman is George Vierheller, STL Director. The trainers are Mike Kostial in front and Henry "Hank" Ternes behind him. Mike was the head trainer, his dad had been the first big cat trainer at the Zoo. Hank was a key to the great STL chimp shows. He began working with Leon Smith, chimp trainer in the late 30s to mid 40s. Leon was terminated just before the end of the season in 1944 or 45. Hank had been drafted had had basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood in MO. Vierheller got him out on leave and Pvt.Hank presented the chimp show the last two weeks. Hank and Mike were a great team. They were friends and respected each others talents. Hank had no desire to be the front man but he loved the chimps and the show. The STL Zoo chimp show wouldn't have been the same without him.
Jim,
The great thing about the St. Louis show was that so much effort went into making it happen, with efforts from the top all the way down. That's probably why the show was so successful and good for so long. That would be a dream gig for a trainer.
Wade
George Vierheller considered himself a showman, not an animal expert. (He was also a very good businessman that new his product and got the Zoo through the Depression and other tough times.) He supported the shows, especially the chimp show, but that came at a price. If you're on top there are a bunch that would like to knock you down. Mike was a good politician and got along with the rest of the Zoo pretty well. Also nearly everytime he worked Vierheller was watching -- no pressure. (I know it happens to others.) The later Directors had different interests. By the time Mike died it was questioned if the Zoo would keep the Chimp Show.
Not complaining here, I'm comfortably retired in FL thanks to 35 years of flipping fish and blowing up beach balls. I wasn't at the STL Zoo in the early 1950s when the shows were at there peak. It would be interesting to know how it ran from the inside. Maybe it was a "dream job" -- it certainly was a great experience.
Jim,
Well said. I think the most important reason for any successful show is having the support at the very top, with the top realizing that the success is due to their support, and not their skill. That belongs to the ones they are supporting. And yes, the human psyche will work overtime to topple success.
Wade
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