Catching up with Matt Smith of Stardust Circus
The father-of-three, Matt Smith with his son Ezekial, 11 months, five-week-old lion cub Masaii and performing dog Sam
Picture: Dylan Coker
•Katrina Stokes
•From: Sunday Mail (SA)
•April 28, 2013
MATT Smith spent his childhood rearing goats on the family farm but 15 years ago ran away for a life in the circus.
It's a decision he's never regretted. The 33-year-old, originally from NSW, spends his days training animals and being a clown under the big top - much to the delight of the crowds.
Along the way he's met his wife Wonona - whose family owns the circus currently performing in Bonython Park - and raised three children, Talira 5, Braxton, 3, and Ezekial, 11 months. It's a far cry from the first 17 years of Matt's life, growing up on the family farm near Port Macquarie.
"I used to help out; we used to get out with the horses, goats and fix the fences and whatever else needed to be done," he said.
The father-of-three, Matt Smith with his son Ezekial, 11 months, five-week-old lion cub Masaii and performing dog Sam
Picture: Dylan Coker
•Katrina Stokes
•From: Sunday Mail (SA)
•April 28, 2013
MATT Smith spent his childhood rearing goats on the family farm but 15 years ago ran away for a life in the circus.
It's a decision he's never regretted. The 33-year-old, originally from NSW, spends his days training animals and being a clown under the big top - much to the delight of the crowds.
Along the way he's met his wife Wonona - whose family owns the circus currently performing in Bonython Park - and raised three children, Talira 5, Braxton, 3, and Ezekial, 11 months. It's a far cry from the first 17 years of Matt's life, growing up on the family farm near Port Macquarie.
"I used to help out; we used to get out with the horses, goats and fix the fences and whatever else needed to be done," he said.
Matt on a stroll with lion cubs Ezekial and Zaire.
Picture: Dylan Coker
"But when I was 17, I was looking for a job and my brother (Adam) was working at Stardust Circus at the time, so I decided to join up.
"Now I train the lions, the goats, the pigs and the dogs and I also do the clowning.
"I always wanted to be a clown and work with animals when I was a kid, so that seemed like the best option."
Matt Smith, wife Wonona and children Talira, Braxton and Ezekial and cubs Zaire and Zimbi.
Picture: Dylan Coker
Soon after he arrived at the circus, love blossomed between Matt and acrobat Wonona, who has spent her whole life travelling the Stardust circuit with her mum and six brothers and sisters.
The couple have been together for 12 years and married eight years ago in Sydney.
Their three children were born in different states - Queensland, NSW and Victoria - depending on where the circus was.
Wonona West-Smith with her trick pony named Liberty.
Picture: Dylan Coker
.."I was born in Redcliffe, in Queensland - my mum was in the circus which was showing next to the hospital, so she was walked over the road and had me," Wonona said.
When it comes time for their children's schooling, all bases are covered.
There are two full-time school teachers and a dedicated caravan set up as their classroom
Ever the entertainer, Matt's antics have Talira in awe.
Picture: Dylan Coker
..Wonona 34, who has travelled to every corner of Australia since she was born, said she wouldn't live life any other way.
"I wouldn't change it at all - it's all I know," she said.
The circus is at Bonython Park until May 5, Mt Barker from May 10-19, and Murray Bridge from May 23-26.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/catching/story-e6frfkp9-1226630728911#ixzz2RlmNgFyF
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