Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Belle Benchley #9

In 1940, Mrs. Benchley published her first book MY LIFE IN A MAN-MADE JUNGLE, telling about her experiences at the Zoo. A best seller, it helped to make the San Diego Zoo world famous. Mrs. Benchley later served as the first woman president of the American Zoological Association.
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Posted by Buckles at 2/08/2011 05:40:00 AM

6 comments:

Eric said...

Among other things, MY LIFE IN A MAN-MADE JUNGLE provides some insights on Mrs. Benchley’s attitudes towards circuses and circus animal trainers & handlers:

“Most of the animal men who have come to us . . . have been circus people. The years of hard work they put in caring for wild animals under unfavorable conditions and strict discipline have been of inestimable value.”

“I never knew half of the joy of a circus until I began to live in a zoo. One of the biggest thrills I have ever had was to sit with the managing director of Barnes’ Animal Circus on opening night and have all the rough spots in the performance pointed out. It gave me an insight into the business of a circus, a side usually taken for granted just as is the business end of a zoo.”

“. . . I have sat right in front of the big, center ring and watched the apparent coolness with which Mabel Stark, Olga Celeste, Bert Nelson, Clyde Beatty, Captain Jacobs and other famous trainers have entered the arena.”

08 February, 2011 12:25
Anonymous said...

Eric: I can't tell you how terrific it was to read these excerpts. Can you get some or all of this over to John and Mardi Wells at The White Tops?? I know many if not all fans would love to read such warm words.
I've got to get Ms Benchley's book(s).

Many Thanks,

Paul Gutheil

08 February, 2011 17:36
Eric said...

Keep in mind that Mrs. Benchley’s comments were made over 70 years ago and no longer reflect current attitudes at the San Diego Zoo. To be hired as a zookeeper there today, one must have a college degree in zoology, biology, veterinary medicine, or some related field. (I understand that there is even a college degree in zoo keeping.) And every effort is made to disassociate the Zoo from the circus. There are no longer any circus-type animals acts, elephant rides, etc. In fact, the handlers who work with the elephants at the San Diego Zoo no longer have direct contact with their assigned elephants and must stay behind a physical barrier (a fence, a barred enclosure, etc.) Bull hooks are no longer used.

09 February, 2011 12:03
john herriott said...

I guess thats called progress but it is a shame that this knowledge of animal training-carforing-handling that cannot be found in any animal facility equal to the circus with its hands on, hands down tried and proven for a couple hundred years is no longer acceptable as the college education lobby has taken charge. Also, sadly the animals suffer as they are now in prison with nothing to look forward to and their brain remains ndormant. They do not have to think, relate to superior knowledge of teaching some elementary behaviors that enhance their lives. We who have had that rare privelege are well aware of what a tragic loss it is in seeing these zoo animals and their enviroment and that of animals working, traveling and yes living and commuicated with humans. Yes we can "talk to the animals". Alot of zoo people evan of late have found this knowlege to be of great advantage. But I guess we are eventually relagated to the past along with other aspects of a wonderful life experience. I am glad that I do not have too much time to explore the future. john herriott

09 February, 2011 15:59
Anonymous said...

Eric, thanks to my occasional bouts with all thumbitis, I erased a note to you in which I acknowledged your correctness about then and now. It's a long time since Fred Martini went from jeweler to Lion Keeper.

There is one somewhat of an exception in the not too long ago, ie. I believe Bronx Zoo retired Curator of Mammals William Doherty and perhaps also retired General Director Dr William Conway were fairly well acquainted with some of the RBBB Elephant Dept personnel and also with Albert Rix and information was shared.

All best,

Paul

09 February, 2011 17:10
Anonymous said...

Col. I just read and reread your comments here. They are profound and I hope these comments get widely disseminated. We as Fans have the privilege and pleasure of knowing good folks like you, Buckles and countless others and know, appreciate and understand what you are saying here.
I pray that you and your bretheren
will be around for a long time yet to keep the future in check by the past.

Every good wish to you and all the Herriotts and thanks for more than I can say,

Paul Gutheil

09 February, 2011 23:10

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