CONEY ISLAND VISIT #2 (STEVE KEELER)

Circus fatal blamed on wire sparks

Dumbo the Elephant performs tricks in the ring during the Irem Shrine Circus at the 109th Field Artillery Armory on Monday. On Friday, the elephant became startled and killed his groomer, police said. The incident occurred inside the building and out of sight of witnesses, a spokesman said.PETE G. WILCOX/THE TIMES LEADER
Sunday, April 11, 2010 5:57 pm Updated: 8:25 AM

The worker killed by a Shrine Circus elephant on Friday is identified as Andrew Anderton, of Florida
By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.comStaff Writer
WILKES-BARRE – More details regarding the Friday afternoon death of an elephant handler were coming to light Saturday, but the exact details may never be known.The death of Andrew Anderton, a handler for Dumbo, the elephant which performed at the Irem Shrine Circus held at the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 109th Field Artillery Armory most of this week – was ruled accidental by Luzerne County Coroner John Corcoran.
An autopsy performed Saturday morning by Dr. Mary Pascucci determined the handler, Anderton, 48, of Florida, died from multiple traumatic injuries, Corcoran said.
Anderton was pronounced dead at 4:50 p.m. Friday at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after he was found lying on the floor in the back of the armory roughly 20 minutes earlier, Corcoran said.
Irem Shrine Circus Service Chairman John Richards explained there are only two entities that know exactly what happened Friday night and neither one can talk.
Anderton was alone with Dumbo in the rear of the armory when the incident occurred.
Richards said it is believed that Anderton was trying to fix some electrical wires in the ceiling attached to the wall, which were sparking near Dumbo. The electrical wires operated a large electrical garage door in the rear of the armory. Richards believes Anderton tried to protect Dumbo, and she, in turn, tried to protect him.
“The elephant appears to have grabbed ahold of him and moved him away from that,” he said.
Corcoran said Anderton did not suffer any electrical injuries and was bumped by the elephant. He declined to elaborate where on Anderton’s body he was bumped.
“The elephant definitely caused the injuries,” Corcoran said.
Anderton worked as a private contractor for Dumbo’s trainer, who was hired by Hamid Circus Inc. of Egg Harbor, N.J., to have Dumbo perform in the weeklong circus, Richards said. Richards said what is known is that the trainer entered the area and found Anderton on the floor with Dumbo standing nearby looking down at Anderton. Dumbo then moved approximately 50 to 60 feet away from Anderton and the trainer at the trainer’s request, remaining in the rear of the arena. Then, Richards explained, the trainer pulled the sparking wires down from the wall, causing the breaker to trip and turning off power, after the trainer pulled Anderton away from the wires. Dumbo then moved closer to the two men at the trainer’s request. Dumbo, a female African elephant, was then fastened to the ground with a chain as a precaution to keep her stationary because the trainer knew that medical response personnel and others would soon be arriving, Richards said.
Anderton cared very much for Dumbo, Richards said, noting the pair had a strong relationship.
“They lived together for the last 15 years. Before that they worked together for five years. It was a very close family relationship as far as the animal was concerned,” Richards said.
Anderton had sleeping quarters on his truck, but instead would take an air mattress and sleeping bag to sleep on the floor near Dumbo each night, said Richards.
Officials from the local Occupational Safety and Health Administration office arrived on the scene Friday evening to investigate, but did not return phone calls Saturday afternoon for comment on the investigation.
Richards believes the OSHA investigation is continuing, but he couldn’t say for sure.
Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard and their facility manager inspected the building Saturday morning and afternoon, deeming it safe for the Shriners to present the remaining shows of the 61st annual circus, Richards said.
An electrician also inspected the area and pronounced it safe.
“We did have a certified electrician that was here and that looked at the wiring. He rendered it safe, so that we could turn the power back on and so we can operate the other doors that are available,” Richards said.
The 109th Armory, built in 1923, was slated to receive a major facelift this past fall, according to The Times Leader archives. The 99,000-square-foot facility is home to about 500 soldiers with the Pennsylvania Guard’s 55th Brigade.
A state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs spokesman said in July that the building was “in need of major improvements” from electrical systems upgrades to air conditioning work.
Sgt. First Class John Paul Karpovich, spokesman for the 109th Armory, could not be reached for comment Saturday night.
The circus’ three remaining Saturday shows were presented without a hitch and Richards was pleased with the attendance. He estimated about 2,500 people watched the morning show, with another 3,200 people at the afternoon show. Dumbo did not perform Friday night or in any of Saturday’s shows because the trainer was trying to make arrangements to have Anderton’s body transported back to his family in Florida for a funeral.
Richards said Anderton did not have any family involved in the circus, other than his adopted family consisting of the trainer and his family and Dumbo.
The elephant is currently being cared for by a member of the trainer’s family.
Richards noted he couldn’t foresee Dumbo being euthanized because she is so “gentle, very intelligent, very kind and very beautiful.”
“I am not the investigator. As it stands right now it is up to them for any decisions like that.”
He vehemently denied suggestions from local animal rights advocates that she was mistreated. Richards said members of the Luzerne County Humane Society arrived at the armory Thursday to inspect the animals’ performing and living conditions.
There were no animal rights advocates outside the armory during the Saturday afternoon show.
Jen Marckini, a Times Leader staff writer, contributed to this report. Sherry Long, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7159.

SUNDAY FUNNIES

1939

MONGOLIAN CIRCUS 2008

October 02, 2008 — The strong man act by Amarjargal, Nyamsuren, Enkhbayar. Amazing!!!

AL G KELLY & MILLER BROS CIRCUS 1964 PART 3 (FROM RICHARD REYNOLDS

1964 Program, featuring

Capt. Freddy Logan's Fighting Lions!

Don't forget "click on image to enlarge!"

Susan Lacey with her funny performance of training sea lions at the Circus Charles Knie's show in Stuttgart (Cannstadter Wasen) on November 4th, 2008

CLARK COUNTY FAIR & RODEO, LAS VEGAS

The Clark County Fair and Rodeo in Logandale features a carnival with traditional carnival food, rides and midway games.

Apr. 08, 2010

Las Vegas Review-Journal
Old-Fashioned Fun

Old-Fashioned Fun
Annual Clark County Fair and Rodeo kicks off today The Wrangler Million Dollar Tour makes its annual stop at the rodeo, as well. More than 500 cowboys are competing for more than $250,000 in prize money. Events include tie-down roping, steer wrestling and team roping.
The rodeo starts at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, with Sunday's show starting at 6 p.m.
The Mutton Bustin Championships will be an hour before each rodeo. Children between 4 and 7 years old who weigh less than 60 pounds will compete for titles and a Montana Silversmith belt buckle.
The carnival rides will be open each day, with events and live entertainment taking place throughout the venue. Among the offerings will be interactive children's theater, juggling, live music, a dog show, a hypnotist, dancers and other acts. For a full schedule of events, visit the fair Web site at ccfair.com.
Tickets cost $19 for admission to the fair and rodeo today, and $21 Friday through Sunday. Seating is reserved. Fair only tickets are available for $9 general admission, $7 for seniors and children ages 5 to 12. Other ticket packages can be purchased.
Fair hours are today, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. until midnight; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Carnival hours are from 1 to 11 p.m. today; noon to midnight Friday; 10:30 a.m. to midnight Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
The fairgrounds are at 1301 W. Whipple Ave. in Logandale. For further details, visit ccfair.com or call (888) 876-3247.
Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.

The Mutton Bustin contest for kids will take place each night before the rodeo

JOANNE WILSON'S DOGS--BILLY MARTIN CIRCUS

DERRICK ROSAIRE, JR.

Prominent Suncoast animal trainer has died

Updated: April 9, 2010 09:15 PM EDT
SARASOTA COUNTY - The most well known family of animal trainers on the Suncoast has suffered a tremendous loss. 55-year-old Derrick Rosaire, Jr. died Thursday night from stage four melanoma cancer.
He was best known for handling the bears at Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota County.
Although Friday's show was canceled, Saturday's show will go on.
In lieu of flowers, Kay Rosaire asks that the community donate money to the sanctuary in honor of her only brother, to take care of the very animals that will miss him.
Derrick Rosaire, Jr. had two sons

WATCH THIS CAT! (ABC TV-6)

CIRCUS MODEL BUILDERS SARASOTA CONVENTION (FROM SCOTT BUNDY)

CIRCUS MODEL BUILDERS SARASOTA CONVENTION (FROM SCOTT BUNDY)

AL G KELLY & MILLER BROS CIRCUS 1964 PART 2 (FROM RICHARD REYNOLDS)

LATEST DETAILS FROM WILKES BARRE (WNEP TV)

Deadly Circus Accident
8:27 PM EDT, April 9, 2010
An apparent freak accident Friday afternoon led to the death of a worker who handles circus elephants.
It happened at the Irem Shrine Circus, which is performing this week at the 109th Armory in Wilkes-Barre.
Despite the tragedy, the circus performers decided to go on with the evening performance.
It was an enthusiastic crowd gathered at the 109th Armory in Wilkes-Barre, eager to watch an evening performance of the Irem Shrine Circus.
It was a sharp contrast to the tragedy that occurred just hours before.
Wilkes-Barre Police say a handler was killed after being kicked by an elephant in between the morning and evening shows.
Police believe the elephant was startled by something when it kicked out and according to circus organizers the elephant seemed fine shortly after the incident.
"When the first person got there the animal was perfectly calm, obeyed all commands, did everything it was told to do, it was walking loose, as it always has the entire week," said John Richards, with the Irem Shrine.
The Irem Shrine says the elephant involved in the accident is female African elephant named Dumbo and is the only elephant in the act.
Richards says the victim was in charge of taking care of the elephant.
"The victim of this accident was paid to handle this animal, that's his job to groom this animal," said Richards.
Wilkes-Barre Police say they have ruled the death as non-criminal and turned their investigation over to federal safety officials since this a work-related incident.
The Humane Society was also contacted for a safety inspection of where the animals are kept.
As for the decision not to cancel the evening performance, the Shriners say that call was made by the performers themselves.
"As true performers they said the show has to go on. They'll have a time to grieve and they will have their time," said Richards. "So they are putting the show on, with heavy hearts, but their putting the show on."
The Irem Shrine tells us the Humane Society was at the Armory on Thursday for inspection, which they passed.
The name of the victim has yet to be released, pending the autopsy to be held Saturday morning.

UPDATE ON WILKES BARRE TRAGEDY

Posted: 6:22 PMUpdated: 7:42 PM
UPDATE: Report: Circus trainer killed
UPDATE: 7:37 p.m.
Wilkes-Barre police Lt. Steve Olshefski confirmed that an animal groomerat the Irem Shrime Circus at the 109th Field Armory was killed by the show's elephant, Dumbo, Friday evening sometime before the 7:15performance. He was unable to provide neither the groomer's name nor details of what happened.
Olshefski said the investigation has been turned over to the the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which had investigators on the scene.
Dumbo, an African elephant, is the only elephant in the show's entourage. The 7:15 p.m. performance went on as planned, but Dumbo did not participate, a circus spokesman said.
Luzerne County Coroner John Corcoran was also investigating the death. He was unavailable for comment.

BREAKING NEWS FROM WILKES BARRE PA--

 

AL G KELLY & MILLER BROS CIRCUS 1964 PART 1 (FROM RICHARD REYNOLDS)

Hi Dick, I am sending you some photo's of the 1964 Al G. Kelly Miller Bros. Circus setting up in Claremont, NH.

This is the first part of three over the next few days. Hope you enjoy seeing them.

RJ Reynolds