| My dad said he never saw a chimp act until the 1930's but prior to that he had seen many terrific baboon acts. He said that when making Vaudeville dates, the elephants often shared the baggage car with baboons and they were very hearty. The keeper simply tossed a blanket over their cage and they did just fine. |
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Castang's Chimps #2
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3 comments:
Buddy Watkins told me that he thought the development of portable heating systems for trailers after WWII increased the number of chimp acts. Prior to that time the few chimps acts were single, probably young animals that might share a train compartment or hotel room with heat. I think Ira and Buddy Watkins had the first multiple chimp act on Ringling in 1946 0r 47.
Ira Watkins started out in motordomes in carnivals, later acquired and trained a baboon eventually moving to chimps.
As to chimp acts today: Anybody left beside Pam and Roger Zoppe-Rosarie? The days of the available $600 chimps have been long gone with the $3500 baby elephants.
Jim: Last I heard, Eddie Steeples was still out performing with his chimp, who must be over 35 by now. His son, Ari, told me last year that the chimp--can't recall her name--was still riding the motorcyle and stilt-walking.
Lane
Her name is Billy Jo, & she is 35.
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