Friday, May 26, 2017

#6 Elephant Acts


9 comments:

cindy herriott wells said...

That's Phil and Francine Schat their son Joshua and Dondi the elephant

Chic Silber said...


Phil & Francine had done a

very strong cradle act as

well as the principals in

The Flying Apollos assembled

by Bobby Yerkes

Chic Silber said...


The Schachts were enrolled

in my Blue Cross group plan

Chic Silber said...


This is likely at Southwick

Zoo in Mendon Massachusetts

where Dondi died in 2010 at

the young age of 36

Roger Smith said...

Phil and Francine forever gave front-page credit to Mack MacDonald for training Dondi.

Unknown said...

Hi, I'm Samantha Whisenhunt (Schmitt). My parents are Cheryl and Eddy Schmitt who had a tiger act. Phil and Francine Schacht were my aunt and uncle by love and faith, not by blood, but closer than any other family members. They're incredible, inspirational people to say the least. Phil Schacht passed away September 24, 2017. And, unfortunately, my aunt Fran passed away a few days ago on September 19, 2020. As stated, Dondi passed at Southwick Zoo in 2010 at 36 years old. Joshua and his wife, Carrie, reside in Groveland, FL. with an array of animals (some may need homes if anyone can direct me) including snakes, horses, ponies, dogs, cats, birds, a prairie dog, tigers, etc. They left a heck of a boot to fill. They're putting on a show together with Dondi again though! I know they're happy and reunited now.
Rest in Peace
Phil, Fran & Dondi

Chic Silber said...


Thanks Samantha

Fran & Phil were very close & dear friends

of mine for many years up to adopting Dondi

Last time I heard from them was when they

created some mountain religious compound

We had some really great times together

I didn't know your parents

Chic Silber said...


I just put up a photo of them

taken back on the Beatty Show

which is where I 1st met them

Chic Silber said...


Hope you look at today's images

of the Schachts for you Samantha

(Friday the 25th)