Gebel-Williams, Gunther

Gebel-Williams, Gunther
▪ 2002

      German-born American circus animal trainer (b. Sept. 12, 1934, Schweidnitz, Ger. [now Swidnica, Pol.]—d. July 19, 2001, Venice, Fla.), was one of the most celebrated circus entertainers in history. As animal trainer for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, he was particularly known for his work with big cats; among other feats, he trained lions to ride on the backs of elephants, taught leopards and tigers to jump through flaming hoops, and wrapped panthers around his neck and shoulders. His act also included horses, zebras, camels, and llamas. After beginning his career in a Munich-based circus, Gebel-Williams made his American debut in 1969. The star performer of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus for the following 22 years, he appeared in some 12,000 shows. An autobiography, Untamed, was published in 1991.

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Universalium. 2010.

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