Thursday, August 23, 2012

From Jerry Digney

images by bucklesw1
images, a photo by bucklesw1 on Flickr.

This is the 100th anniversary of the Tiebor Seal Act legacy! All began in Tonawanda NY in 1912.

That 1942 LIFE article (5 pages!) on Tiebors Seals revealed that RBBB had two troupes of seals that year, those of brothers John and Roland Tiebor; they had 6 seals plus two back ups.

In vaudeville, they worked 14 minutes but only seven minutes in the circus--the act got $500 a week; guess that was ok for 1942?? show biz life span for seals is 14-16 years.

Seen here, crawling down stairs at the Garden.

Posted by Buckles at 8/23/2012 05:23:00 AM

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

The key words in the article, " and two back ups." Tiebors had back up animals and Roby Gasser could get trained animals from Switzerland. Sea lions are now difficult and expensive to acquire. When I began with sea lions in 1970, $125 and a phone call CA - three days later go to airport and get an animal. Now, if you can find them, they are several thousand plus govt. permits and inspections. Sea lions are also a challenge to care for, if they get ill they're a challenge to medicate. When they're healthy and working well they're terrific. Unfortunately, even under the best of care, they can be gone quickly w/o much warning and break your heart.

That said, a salute to Marco Peters and his Sea Lion Splash show. At a diificult time he's built first rate equipment and does a great show, probably the only traveling marine mammal operation out now. He also has acquired back up animals, a continuing challenge.

Thanks for all the sea lion photos. Even taught me how to send comments.

23 August, 2012 08:48
John Herriott said...

Wonder where the word Sea Lion comes from? Would it be the official species definition? does not seem to fit. johnny

24 August, 2012 09:59
John Herriott said...

I believe it is true that when theybget sick they die. I have noticed this happening over the years. Mayhbe now new antibiotics, etc. have made a difference. Any comments out there? johnny. Walter Jennier always carried an extra that would be trained to awork "the next day". johnny

24 August, 2012 10:03
Anonymous said...

Nothing official but I'd suggest that the name Sea Lion came from the roar the bulls make, especially during breeding season. Most true seals aren't that loud though elephant seal bulls can be noisy. Also big bull sea lions have large, heavy necks somewhat like a lion's mane.

Again nothing offical but personal experience and observation, when a sea lion gets visibly sick it's often the end. We've had improvements in animal care that have increased typical longevity. Getting and keeping fish property and even special marine mammal vitamins help. There are even a few marine mammal vets who have developed techniques for treating these special animals. In spite of all the improvements I still hear of ocassional sea lions that may appear ill one day and be gone the next. Maybe just the nature of the beast.

24 August, 2012 19:14

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