You don't suppose this artist saw that 1932 Barnes program? |
Monday, August 02, 2010
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33 comments:
Jason Herriott Walker in the past week has suffered a grave injustice by the hand of the USDA-APHIS director Dr. Goldentire in declaring that he is not certified and has been prevented from continuing to present the great tiger act that has received rave reviews since opening the season on COLE BROS. CIRCUS. In a dispute concerning the USDA license of these animals this Gov. Agency totally out of control has made Jason the Fall Guy. Different licensing has been done with all parties still in control with exception of Jason. He has not been cited for any infractions but is just denied doing his job. A novice person with no credentials at all has been hastily been hired to work this act, having never been a presenter of any animals whatsoever. Only in recent years a groom. With only a couple days practice surely would be cause for a dangerous situation. How can he be denied from doing his lifes work as an all Amercan person here in the USA? More coming
I am sending this info. on your blog as in the past few years you have obviously become the unofficial voice of the industry and appeal to all fans, circus and other people involved in animals, etc., the OABA and its officials and any other people who are aware of this Gov. agency being out of control. Obviously in our country you are innocent until proven guilty under a regulated lawful procedure. This is similar to third world countries and-or a totalitarian form of Gov.
In regard to being "certified". We have been since its inception liscened as animal exhibitors for all those years until our retirement and I cannot recall any such thing. Jason is four generations of animal trainers and presenters. He was born in the circus being a toddler around his parents with performing elephants and thru all the years has been involved with his mother and myself, his grandfather in training and presentation of and including camels, llamas, zebras, horses, ponies and dogs. An energetic and versatile young man he taught himself primarily to be an excellent juggler, has been a clown and very good ringmaster and even got involved in theator here in Sarasota, did the second lead with solo singing in a production of "Miss SAigon". In our modern day with so many youths getting involved in drugs and ending in a gutter its credit to Jason that he is a fine, well groomed and articulate personable young man of which we are quite proud. Certainly he has difficult times but has persevered and found that the tigers were the niche he had been searching for. Thechallange and his growing endearment for these majestc beasts were part of the whole picture, His charismatic presentation in the ring made the presentation so good, plus the exceptional routine put it in a world class category. MORE
I am sending this info. on your blog as in the past few years you have obviously become the unofficial voice of the industry and appeal to all fans, circus and other people involved in animals, etc., the OABA and its officials and any other people who are aware of this Gov. agency being out of control. Obviously in our country you are innocent until proven guilty under a regulated lawful procedure. This is similar to third world countries and-or a totalitarian form of Gov.
In regard to being "certified". We have been since its inception liscened as animal exhibitors for all those years until our retirement and I cannot recall any such thing. Jason is four generations of animal trainers and presenters. He was born in the circus being a toddler around his parents with performing elephants and thru all the years has been involved with his mother and myself, his grandfather in training and presentation of and including camels, llamas, zebras, horses, ponies and dogs. An energetic and versatile young man he taught himself primarily to be an excellent juggler, has been a clown and very good ringmaster and even got involved in theator here in Sarasota, did the second lead with solo singing in a production of "Miss SAigon". In our modern day with so many youths getting involved in drugs and ending in a gutter its credit to Jason that he is a fine, well groomed and articulate personable young man of which we are quite proud. Certainly he has difficult times but has persevered and found that the tigers were the niche he had been searching for. Thechallange and his growing endearment for these majestc beasts were part of the whole picture, His charismatic presentation in the ring made the presentation so good, plus the exceptional routine put it in a world class category. MORE
We have noted the questionable practice of USDA in confiscating animals with various excuses and allowing itself to become an agency to be feared in this could happen to any of us in the field with little recourse. I BELIEVE that in Jasons case a total injustice is perpetuated that would be a black mark in his lifelong chosen vocation and should be given explanation as to why he was singled out and all other parties are still in place. How could he be declared '"not certified" and incapable when his replacement has no crede ntials whatsoever.
IN closing we are a very proud ALL AMERICAN circus family for some four generations and Jason is the fourth generation to grace the Cole Bros. circus center ring since his Great grandfather, Milton Herriott. How about that. Your help will be appreciated. The Go\v. agency is-
Doctor Goldentire, DIRECTOR
USDA-APHIS animal care
920 Main Campus Drive Suite 200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
Tel. 240 461 8123
A side note. The animal act that Jason presented were housed inexcellent facilities and all animals were extremely well cared for, I visited on opening day in DeLand and was very impressed with the whole operation and a fine group of animals. A credit to our biz.
The number rings to Dr. Betty Goldenmire's voice mail... leave her an intelligent, rational message. ~frank
I believe the object of APHIS is animal care as is part of the address. Animal care in regard to Jason not being "certified" should not even be an issue as part of their jurisdiction. And what official in this agency is qualified with credentials to make that decision? Jason was not employyed to be a part of licenses and other administrative details. So the APHIS has overstepped their boundries into a gray area. It should be noted that last summer he presented four tigers in an educational show at th Bros. e Long Island Game farm and I am certain USDA was aware and was no problem. Also I believe Cole Bros.-John Pugh-Elvin Bale were aware of having licensed animal acts when contracting them and obvious were satisfied that all was in order and the show operated until this ugly situation happened while in New Tork. I know that Johnny and Elvin were very pleased with Jasons presentation and both told me just that on opening day. Something has an unpleasant odor to this situation.
In regaards to this unpleasent situation that has been placed in front of me I simply dont know what to do. This all came so suden and unexpected It hasnt really hit me yet. Everything was fine all was good. I was inspected by the U.S.D.A. 6!!! times in the three and a half months I was on Cole and never had one write up or non comp. not one. Then while walking the Cammel on the ride during doors one day someone came to me and said "Theyre not gonna let ya work" I thought it was a joke. Ya rite I thought then the cage came down. The USDA just left and said everything looks good just like always so where was this coming from? Noone could give me a good answer "youre just dont have enough Expeareance" I was told. How can that be when the act and the reveaws were nothing less that fantastic? I truly had never been so praised and humbled at the same time.Now what do I do? my whole world was turned usidedown during doors the first show.I was just an "Animal guy" doing my job and loving every second of it and now thats all over... Why? What would you do?"Theyre not gonna let ya work" What would you do? Im left with no answers. Not to mention that those cats were MY babys I was there every step of the way from scratch, now Im not qualifide? Who is more Qualifide more than me besides my boss a master cat trainer? look where his the other cat acts are. Well I dont mean to rant just upset.I just wanna work cats and save money like everybody else and now I cant. Jason.
I so wish there were something I, just a fan and not just a Circus Fan, but a Jason Fan, could do to rectify this situation....as my wife just said, "Something sounds screwy here."
Speaking of screwy, I'd like to relate a story I was told by another fellow who presents/owns big cats. He swore this was true. He told me on one occasion when he was being inspected by the USDA, the inspector showed up and proceeded to ask him which ones were the lions and which were the tigers.
There are undoubtedly countless crazy things like this happening, but for now I guess, "Nuf said."
Jason: Hang in there. I had the distinct pleasure of photoraphing your act several times and was VERY impressed with everything you did. You are indeed carrying on a grand family tradition in grand style. Do not let a setback like this "screwy" one deter you.
With every good wish to you and all the Herriotts,
Paul Gutheil
I received an anonymous comment regarding situation and the qualifications of the principals involved in the recent USDA dust up on the Beatty Show.
Needless to say, I have to have a name before I enter anything this controversial.
In sorting out what has happened,
Who in UHPIS would be qualified to say who is or not qualified to present animal acts. Also, and if the agency is getting input from someone in he circus industry who would that be. I smell some crap somewhere.
As a circus fan what do we need to do to help Jason get his job back and not make a fool out of our self???
I have only seen pictures of the act on Buckles blog. And what I have seen looks great.
We have an address on this blog to write and what do we need to say to help him out???
Any info would be great apprecaited as we are supposed to help the circus when they need help.
Harry Kingston
Texas
Even though Jason Walker was served an injustice, I believe the current presenter of this act is getting heat for no reason.
Dominick Giannino didn't ask to take this act from Jason. In fact, when he left his job on Ringling Red as an elephant handler, the cats hadn't worked in nearly a week.
The USDA said the cats couldn't be worked by either Jason Walker or Lance Ramos. Lance and Jason BOTH decided that the only man capable of and willing to work this act was Dominick. Dominick has spent hundreds of hours in the cage with this act alone. He knows these cats.
It was Dominick Giannino whose experience made it possible for Lance to send Jason and six cats to the Long Island Game Farm last summer.
Mr. Herriot, I have more respect for your family than I could ever express on a blog. However, the novice title does not belong to Nick.
If you want to talk about credentials, you should mention that Nick studied under John Campolongo for three summers. He also learned from Kay Rosaire.
He's spent countless hours picking the brains of America's most respected big cat trainers. Ask Larry Allen Dean or Wade Burck about Nick's credentials. He's studied thousands of hours of performances by dozens of trainers.
Nick worked for where he is. He was welcomed on to the Cole lot with open arms. Those open arms came from Elvin Bale, Johnny Pugh, Chris Connors, Tim Frisco, and most importantly, Jason Walker.
This is not meant to be a knock on Jason Walker. Jason did a phenomenal job with both the cats and the mixed act. His showmanship in the cage is unprecedented in this country.
Mr. Woodcock, I sent the comment you received last night. It was not meant to be sent anonymously. When I found out it was received as such, I rewrote it.
DanTheBooker
once you are targeted by this agency they will never stop until they destroy your livelyhood. I know first hand as i was jailed by State of florida and finally framed by state agents to end my animal career with help of USDA.I'm still being attacked by Florida even though i have moved to another state. I feel for you Jason. Best of luck. Darryl Atkinson
Dan: Appreciate your comments and was unaware that you were so well informed on the subject. In fact you seem to know more than I do. I have never heard of this man ever working any wild animals in any place. It seems that the Game farm in New York had anumber presenters- "trainers" and h was a cage boy, or groom for whoever was there. I do not recall that Jason's job there was due to this fellow. I believe that he did a good job for Jason and that he is fond of him, but if he has these overwhelming credentials for so many years why was he a groom on the RBBB elephant dept? I am all for young people to enter the biz. and work their way up. My father started as a dog boy-pony punk. My old departed buddy Bill Johnaston,worked for me from some five years on my little circus and had been the super cat guy for almost Pat Anthony's entire career, but that was it. He is there and he was not high-jacked so that he stepped into a situation that I would certainly say is difficult and dangerous. I have found as a trainer-showman and am quite vocal in declaring that excuses, whether they be real or not do not get the job done. So, you have to "bite the Bullet"
I thank you for your input, but I do know that all the parties are still there continuing on, except for Jason. That is what bothers me. I am sorry to say that your friend oes not have any credentials whatsoever as a "trainer-Presenter of wild animals, and-or including elephants. In a situation that you have presented my old friend Smokey Jones would say "Show me your Pictures" Thanks for your input. I do not believe we have met. I see you on the blog, but "Dan the B ooker" doesn't ring a bell. Let me know more about yu and your showbiz activities.
I am sure, according to "Dan the Booker" whatever that me3ans. I assume you have a proper name, that people in power would have welcomed your good friend on the Cole Show lot. The have tremendous publicity out on having a cat act this year and desperately need the act in the show.
I saw the show (its last on Long Island) last night. The whole show was really nice and fast-paced. The clowns were funny, Jenny's cloud swing was fantastic, Lana's one-finger balance was one-of-a-kind, Tim's elephants were great, and the mixed act was very good too. I could go on forever, as I really enjoyed each act, but I'll spare you. Yes, it's a shame what happened with Jason-I hear he did a nice job. Jason, they say everything happens for a reason, and I am sure good things are coming your way.
However, Nick, you did an excellent job with the cats. Your long hours of hard work behind the scenes have paid off and you are living out your dreams. You have done well my friend, and I am really proud of you! Everyone should go out and see this show; it is not one to be missed!
-Chris
Mr. Herriot,
My name is Dan Hinnenkamp. I am a booking agent in Minnesota. I've booked shows in Minnesota and Wisconsin mostly, but have done bookings all over.
I must clarify my statement about the Long Island Game Farm. Jason worked the act while Dominick AKA Nick watched his door. Nick was responsible for the care of the cats.
Jason's training hours did not exceed the required amount by the USDA to manage an exhibit on the road, but Nick's did. Nick was on the paper work as the man in charge there. That's what I meant.
You are correct, sir. Dominick has no in-the-show experience presenting animals of any kind.
Before Nick received the blessing of his parents to pursue a full time career as a big cat trainer for hire, he had to obtain a formal degree to fall back on. Nick was ready to graduate this December. That's why he spent his summers working at the Long Island Game Farm. It fit well into his summer breaks.
Last summer, it was announced that the Long Island Game Farm had decided to do away with the big cat show. With Nick still having school, he needed to find a gig for this summer.
Nick was approached by Bob Childress to work the Lewis and Clark Tigers. Nick accepted and was to work the act from the last week of May until the first week of September, before returning home to complete school. Well, I don't know how well known this is, but Bob Childress donated his tigers to a park after receiving heat from the USDA. Nick was left without a gig for the summer. He made some phone calls and was quickly hired by Brian French, elephant boss of Ringling Red.
Nick had worked with elephants before, both under Adam Hill on the Cole Show, and Lance Ramos at Lance's place.
You make a good point about needing the act show. My point was that Jason was in favor if Nick coming to the Cole show. Though they haven't been aired here, I have heard rumors that Nick "stole" Jason's act. That's just simply not the case.
Thank you for your time, Mr. Herriot.
Dan Hinnenkamp
Duluth, MN
Dan, Note about training hours. Where in hell did you get that info. I do not recall anything in this biz. since its inseption, I guess where there were training hours to be kept. Your Nick fellow has never trained anything in his life that I am aware of and how did you come up with the hours between him and Jason. What alot of bull. Show me where training hours are necessary for "graduation". This is not studying to pas a test for a realestate license Or CPA. I do not believe that there was daily bookkeeping involved with the Game farm job and of course if he were the "hand" he would be at the door. I believe the staff of the operation there consisted of these two people. Let me know more about this hours crap and if memory serves me right Jason was not allowed to present the tigers before Nick in the picture, unless there is something going on I am unaware of. I suspect some skulduggery was taking place and I intend to sort things out. Names come into place as the discussion goes on. Let me know about who kept track of these so-called "training Hours". Thanks.
Chris: I note that you enjoyed the Cole Circus. I agree its a great show. The two acts mentioned that had been presented by Jason that you spoke favorably of were no doubt O.K. However I understand that already some of the routines in both acts have been eliminated in that the presenter is unable to accomplish them without repitition. I would suggest that it is very interesting that it takes two people to do Jason's job. I believe that speaks for itself. Both of these acts were, and I must enhance on the word were, top drawer acts not only in America, but Europe as well as we in the field are pretty much aware of what is"out there". It is a credit to Lance and Jason that the extremely hard work done by them was rewarding. The Cole contract did not specify the quality other that they expecyted them to be neatly done and favorably presented. John Pugh and Elvin Bale were very pleased on opening day what a bonus they had in the extra quality of routines and presentation. I am always "with it and for it". But a great injustice has been done by a Gov. agency in putting a shadow on the persons career and also I believe it is against the law to deny ganeful emplyment to a person and his chosen vocation without a hearing and a chance to defend himself.
Obviously this is a very sad situation with not just a little injustice. What came to mind this morning was that I hope,with all of these discussions on the internet, we are not creating fodder for the Peta people's warped machine or creating more problems with the USDA etc. in the future.
"Damn everything but the Circus."
Paul Gutheil CFA CHS CMB OABA
Friend Paul:I have deliberately made this issue public forum thru Buckles Blog as it is certainly the unofficial voice of the industry and as we know with animals predominent because I want to make certain there is no gossip, etc. in our circus community that Jason has accused of some animal abuse, cited for some infraction regarding the care or handling of these animals, or something demeaning personlly as to his character. I am well aware that things can easily get discombobulated as word gets around. So I feel all the facts are important and also I am hearing some interesting comments. Most especially I am not trying to "whitwash" Jason. I feel an injustice has been done that could hurt his future in his chosen field of endeavor. Thanks for all your folks wonderful support. I must say that this does certainly not mean that these are the view of th "Blog" but only my personal view, but I thank Buckles for publishing the information, but I agree that anonymous is not acceptable.
Mr. Herriot,
If I could get a private email for you, I will explain how that works.
DanTheBooker
I saw Jason and these cats earlier this year in RI. The cats looked VERY well cared for and Jason seemed to be doing fine with them. I am also a little surprised at the loop the USDA chose to go at this. I understand that Jason was in charge and worked this same act all last summer at a zoo in NY. In past years the USDA has required 1500 hours experience with animals they have deemed possibly dangerous. I do not see how Jason could have come up short on the hours after more then a year under his belt with these animals, and surely numerous hours in the past with other animals, yet the USDA decided his groom (Yes I understand he was a groom for several people for several years) had enough experience. There is a rather large difference between pushing cats into a cage and opening and closing doors, and having to go in and make said cats do tricks, while making sure the guy opening and closing doors is remembering to put the locks on. This is not a knock towards Nick, I have spoke to him many times and he seems like he is on the right track, but I am rather confused as to why this has all happened. Along the lines of John Herriot's sentiment of preserving Jason's reputation, I feel it is worth noting that much of the USDA speculation and scrutiny had little to do with him, and more to do with the on going battle they have had going for some time with the owned of the cats. I feel as though Jason may have been collateral damage to the USDA.
Amen Casey I believe you have the answer. It appears the act could stay in place if Jason took the fall
I was reluctant to comment again, but from a circus outsider-yes I am ONLY a fan, there seems to be lots of different stories being circulated, and I don't think they are benefiting anyone, whether they are true or not. Paul, I think you can be certain that AR groups visit this site, especially as it has so much discussion about circus animals, their training, and welfare. They can take anything and run with it, no matter how innocent "we" think it may be. I disagree 100% that Nick is "just" a groom, locking cages, etc. He has worked with several trainers. He started many YEARS ago, and invited me to the game farm 2 years ago when he was working for and alongside John Campolongo. The cats at that time were Lance's, many of which are now on a large 3 ring circus, and one is still with the group on Cole. He has received instruction in big cat training from John and Lance, as well as other respected trainers, for SEVERAL YEARS now.
In comparison, I was a horse groom for a trainer and NEVER did more than brush, walk, bathe, feed, and clean-up after horses. If I claimed that I was a trainer, I would be a complete liar. I never set foot in a ring-I was a groom-that is completely different from Nick's experience. I am very surprised that people are so quick to bash people that they admit to not knowing? I never met Jason, but I do know that when he found out Jason would be presenting tigers at the game farm, Nick welcomed him, and they became very friendly. Nick told me about great experiences he had working with Jason, and that he was a fine trainer.
If anyone has anything negative to say about someone else, they should say how they started out. I can't imagine that anyone in their right mind would let someone step into a ring of tigers, lions, elephants, or even horses for that matter, without being completely confident that they knew what they were doing. How could any self-respecting trainer not start out grooming their animals?
As I said at the beginning of my rant (I am very sorry Buckles, Nick, and Jason, and anyone else who took offense), I am JUST a circus fan. I have great respect for people who work in and for the circus, as it was something I always wanted to do but never pursued. However, as a fan, I hate to see people burning bridges before they can even be crossed, causing lots of strain and tension on people in an industry that I find so valuable in our culture.
-Chris, "just a fan"
This is in response to a comment made by Dan the Booker on Aug. 4th about Nick and Lewis and Clark Circus. This is in noway a knock about Nick as I know nothing about him or his experience with any animals. I did not approach him but was approached by him about spending the summer on the show after meeting him for the first time last winter. He seemed like a nice kid so I said sure I can always use some help. I had no intention of hiring him to work the act. As for receiving heat from the USDA we had no heat whatsoever. As a matter of fact I was contacted by USDA wanting to know why I decided to get rid of them. The reason I decided to get rid of them is that my primary job is running the Lewis and Clark Circus which is a big job itself. I kept remembering a comment made to me by Johnny Herriott last winter. He said when you go into the cage you can't have anything on your mind but the cats. With everything else on my mind I felt it was time to get rid of the cats and concentrate on the show.
Bob Childress
Chris,
I think you are taking the comment the wrong way. It isn't so much Nick being "just" a groom, as it is he was a groom for Jason last summer. Some how now Jason isn't qualified. Seems kind of odd to me. I am certain that both Nick and Jason have the "required" time shoveling, feeding, grunting, and pushing a wheel barrow to be qualified. As far as worrying what the AR people are reading, it is minor, there is no discussion of abuse or mistreatment being directed at anyone, unless you count the abuse of power being accused of the USDA. As far as how I started out, I shoveled my first wheel barrow of pony and dog crap in 1986 on Culpepper % Merriweather....and I haven't stopped shoveling yet....except a 6 month stint training parrots for a movie....for them we just crumpled up some newspaper and threw it away...
I am curious. Doesn't Universoul have one of the Lance Ramos acts also and did they get the same scrutiny and or changes to personnel?
For the record: During this time of defense of my grandson Jason, I have not solicited any help. comments or otherwise from any person in the field and what nthey say is entirely of their own volition [guess thats the right word].
Maybe this discussion has given some interesting comparisons about what this biz. is all about.You can be sure no one is an overnight success. It takes extreme dedication to even stay in this biz. let alone be a success. I and my wonderful family can vouch for that. We have been there. I know that Casey and mIKE rICE have both gone thru the tough times. One example, A bank would be very reluctant to finance the purchase and funds neceassary to get equip. and money for personal expenses until such act can get a contract. Usually you have to remortgage or if able get a line of credit. Ha Ha.
Lance over the years built up a rendering biz. of picking up dead cows etc. [higwy acc, etc.] I fed his cats and gave him an income as we// Not a very pleasant way of doing biz. but what trade can a mexican decent with little formal ed. do. I would mention three people of interest. John Walker [or little JOHN as he is known as nhis father concessionaire was known as Big John] went on the Beatty-Cole circus where his father was conce. and tent master as a young boy. He became totally enfatuated with Rex Williams and the big elephant herd. Rex treated jhim nice and let him hang around the elephants and he found what he loved to do and his career would blossom with elephants. Lance Ramos would go on the Beatty-Cole circus and also as a young boy in his families acrobatic acts would also become infatuated with Rex and the elephants and Rex again would treat him kindly and let him hang around. He also saw Dave Hoover and his cats and then is when he found his life work. For both it was not easy and there were no apprentice jobs that paid to learn. Both have been successful in the biz. as animal trainers-presenters. There are so many similar stories but I point these out as I know both quite well. Casey and Mike were not [born in the biz.] but discovered it in different ways. Mike would become a concession guy and get infatuated with elephants [even imported some] but his animal training was not easy but he has perservered. Casey I believe was around his uncle who did animal work around John Strong and Wayne Franzen and found his niche with elephants, cats, etc. Mike has become a versatile trainer with horses, etc. But again both had to do it the hard way. Buckles likes to recall how many steps he had to take to make one round with the GD elephant ride.
Jason and brother John John have been involved in various animal jobs in finding their way and again I know it has not been easy with some very rocky roads along the way. But both have worked within their families and others for gainful exp. and little money. Both have been around Lance because of infatuation with the great cats. I nor their father and mother have never gone into cats, but certainly been around so many and number them as friends. So Jason went to Lances compound [incidentally from extreme hard work is a faciulity Par Excellence for allk animals wild or domestic] and he started with I doubt very little monetary reward other than bare necessities. But he and Lance hit it off well and Lance proved to be an excellent teacher and Jason a pupil. They worked long hours every day with training the cxamel exotic act, a six horse liberty act, plus other tigers in training for other acts plus the tigers Jason would work. Long hard hours of intense training and caring for animals and equip. MORE
For the record: I have not solicited in any way comments made by anyone and this is an open forum on my part to get the facts right and defend my Grandson for fear that information can get dicombobulated and hurt his career [already has been done] by incorrect word of mouth in our industry.johnny
Thoughts to ponder while involved in these comments.
THIS IS A TOUGH BUSINESS for anyone involved in it. Owners, trainers, performers, butchers, work hands, etc. Requiring extreme dedication with few rewards financially or otherwise until you can realize a certain amount of success and even then its a fight to stay thataway. Believe me.
In Jasons case and so many others his initial time with Lance was hardly a financial success other than the basics of life and even the Game Farm gig was seasonal short term and no bank account to speak of. Believe he got the initial living trailer down pay. So alot of very hard work for he and Lance [and others including his sister] in training and routining other tigers, liberty horses and exotic animal act. A full days work to be sure plus the care of the animals. Then the Cole contract. What a joyful time, but then getting equip. rolling equip all shaped up and an excellent sight it would be "on the lot". So much pride in what they had done and the press and public acclaim was wonderful. Then BAM,BAM and a night mare became a reality with no opportunity of a defense.
Jason had been looking for his place and did or dabbled in a number of endeavors, juggling, rngmster, theatre singing acting and dancing [quite good in a short time] and even a waiter at Wings and Weinies and valet parking attendant, plus work with family animals, etc.
So the quality aCTS, being with a reputable American Circus and press and public acclaim made it all worthwhile and certainly much more than just a job.
His replacement has obviously been part time [his family home where he lives is short miles from game farm] in going to college. So therecertainly would be no comparison to his endeavors and time spent. If you want to be in this biz. you have to go all the way or not at all. So he was able to go to the game farm and then go home. nothing wrong with that, but I don't believe it makes for any comparison between the two even with the Dan the Booker Spin and not quite up to fact. So I don't believe I am being unjust in my search for the facts. I am sure he is a fine young man [I have never met or heard of him other than that he had been the groom for various cat acts in a summer time gig close to home]. Note that he did "break the ice" and go to Ringling as, yes, a groom. So I am sure that his departure from th GSOE did not cause any noticeable problem in the show going on.
I believe that recent comments have justified my actions in defense of a serious injustice to my grandson by a Government agency and to be sure we have filed a protest to USDA and APHIS. If and when I hear an explanation I will make it public jknowledge. Incidentally at the inception of USDA licensing Mary Ruth got a license in regard to the Herriott Animals and has had it for all tnhose hyears until our retirement and members of our family are licensed now.
In reference to Casey and Mike I suggest that they have not been part timers but came up the hard way in the trenches and made a name for themselves like all of us old pros. Now is the time for this young man to prove himself. His background as a cage hand would only give him knowledge of the animals but hardly qualify him as a trainer. Its steps along the way. As old friend Smokey Jones always like to say,"show me your pictures". I know there is alot of personal pride in being part of the fraternity of legitimate animal trainers.
I note Casey started with a small group and when it was affordable added to it. Having a couple of season contracts were certainly an important factor. His dedicated prectice work ethics have given him some nice compliments and an act of notice in the field.
The same for Mike and his nice camel presentation. I salute you guys. Over the years Mike has just about done it all.
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