Gunther Gebel-Williams Dies

Gunther Gebel-Williams, the circus animal trainer who delighted ladies and gentlemen, and children of all ages, died Thursday of cancer at age 66.

He never missed a show and entertained more than 200 million people during his 30 years with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

A friend of Gebel-Williams says he had an “incredible rapport” with a wide array of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, horses and giraffes.

The celebrated trainer collected numerous honors, including the outstanding circus performer of the year award in 1973.

Besides his work in the center ring at the Greatest Show on Earth, the flashy performer was featured in TV specials and ads.

Gebel-Williams was born in Germany, and was introduced to circus life at 12 when his mother joined Circus Williams as a wardrobe assistant.

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