I received an email from the STL Zoo that Donn Gibson had died. Nobody had any details about where or when. Donn took over the St. Louis Zoo Elephant Show in 1970 and trained and presented elephants until a year before the show was closed, 1991, and he retired. Donn came to the Zoo in 1961 after teaching high school biology in Mississippi. After a short stint on the grounds crew he became one of Floyd Smith's assistants in the Elephant Show. He was a quiet, friendly man with a ready smile. He didn't visit many shows but I'm sure some of the blog readers saw him at the Zoo or at least know about him. Jim |
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
From Jim Alexander
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4 comments:
To Jim,
Sorry to hear Mr Floyd Smith passed on. I recall you introducing me to him several times on my many visits to the zoo and seeing the elephant show. I wish to convey our condolences to his family.
what a nice gentlman he will be miss . he always had the time to chat with any one from the shows or when he visit . he came to visit circus flora many times to visit me . cleanraul
Yes, I recall meeting him many years ago. He was very hospitable even though we were strangers. Donn was also amused to find out I also was a former schoolteacher.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Don Bloomer
Donn was a great guy. It was always fun watching his shows at the zoo. His signature beret and huge smile accented the presentations in which he always seemed to be having a good time. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. -kevin
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