Sunday, August 21, 2005

Ringling-Barnum Circus/ "Gargantua"


Aside from "King Kong" the most famous gorilla of them all.
My mother and I saw the Ringling Show in 1948 at Minneapolis and it was one of the great experiences of my youth. One major disappointment however was viewing the most "Terrifying creature that lived" he was curled up sound asleep and he appeared as tho someone had tossed a rug in the corner of the den.

Posted by Buckles at 8/21/2005 07:30:00 AM

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thought I was looking in the mirror this morning. Need to pluck the brows. Why do all apes look so sweet?

21 August, 2005 14:55
GaryHill said...

Buckles, what ever happened to "Mickey" the gorilla we had at winter quarters and then CW? I used to have to spoon feed him his supper, green beans,corn, beets, etc. Thanks, Gary

21 August, 2005 15:58
Buckles said...

As I recall Mickey came from a Monkey Farm in Florida and was returned there. The owners name was Noell (Bob and May?). I noticed while he was visiting the Park he had several fingers missing.

21 August, 2005 18:42
Anonymous said...

Gargantua had rotting and abcesed molars as a result of his being served gallons
(and gallons) of Coca-Cola over the years.
He was found dead in the corner his cage with his big hands clasped over his head.
Surely he must have been in misery.

30 August, 2005 18:03
G A said...

According to Dr. J Y Henderson, Gargantua had a permanent grimace due to someone throwing acid in his face as a young gorilla on his way from wild capture to life under the Big Top. For more information about the Ringling Bros' 700 circus animals and their treatment read, Dr. Henderson's book, "Circus Doctor."

19 March, 2019 21:31

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