THE BALLOON MAN

Taba, The Greatest Show on Earth





 Tabayara “Taba” Maluenda is the first Latino to be the head animal trainer at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus since the circus was founded in 1907. Today, he is known as the greatest tiger trainer of our time.

Written By Bryan Llenas
Fox News Latino
Published March 15, 2012
Across the United States, in all fields of endeavor, Latinos are working to uphold their place in American society. Fox News Latino is proud to present "Our American Dream" – a series of snapshots and profiles of Latino success stories.  

For most people, it's hard enough to train a cat to stay off the furniture.

But don't tell that to Tabayara “Taba” Maluenda - the man who can make twelve 520-pound tigers dance in sync, jump through fire, and kiss his cheek. 

As the head animal trainer for the most famous circus in the world, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Taba orchestrates a cast of Bengal and White Tigers, Elephants, and Horses.

Since the circus was founded in 1907, he is the first Latino to ever reach the esteemed position and is known as the greatest tiger trainer of our time.

“I think what I love most about the circus is that the circus is real, it’s pure, it’s talent, and it’s live,” Taba said.

 

Taba believes that circus performers should be held in the same, if not higher, esteem as movie actors and singers – especially singers – who have to perform to live audiences.

Although, not even a hard metal rocker can boast 80 to 90 scars from live performances like Taba can.

Yet for him, it’s just part of the job.
Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/community/2012/03/15/our-american-dream-taba-greatest-show-on-earth/#ixzz1pJC1yydR