In the news

I love these news photos taken in Kokomo, Indiana, at the Kelly Miller Circus a week or two ago. Several days ago, the baby tiger ( pictured in the first photo ) was called down during the show for the group lay down; she didn't respond. I walked over to her with her eyes closed and head hanging - she fell asleep on her pedestal ! The audience laughed when I shook my hand in front of her eyes to no response. When she came down, she took a huge stretch ( again receiving a big laugh ) and finally came over to lay down. I'm glad she is trying to add a bit of humor to the show - we sure need it !

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Enrichment

The tigers are given many different kinds of "toys" to enrich their lives and stimulate their minds. Today they are killing some cardboard boxes. It's fun to watch, but takes a lot of time to clean up the mess !

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Indiana Animal Rights Alliance

Today the Kelly Miller Circus was visited by members of the Indiana Animal Rights Alliance. I had not heard of this group before but a quick look at their Facebook page demonstrates supporters of veganism and staunch anti-zoo/circus beliefs. For a rainy "pre-show" time I was surprised at how many supporters the group had - only three when I first spoke with them but the number had increased to seven before I left. I could count less than a handful of protest activities we have had this year, though it seems this group had planned demonstrations against KMC for several of our towns near Indianapolis.

I approached the group with the purpose of introducing myself and opening a dialogue between two factions on a spectrum of "moral" issues regarding animals in a circus performing environment. I was pleasantly surprised that several of the individuals were open to communication. In short, I introduced myself and my position as owner and trainer of the tigers on this show. I gave them a short summary of my history here and described the daily routine of my animals. I asked if anyone had come earlier today to see the animals prior to their protest this evening. None had, though one I saw walking around before grabbing her placard. It's a shame - the tigers spent the day socializing and playing in their pools. The leader of the event asked me how I train my animals. It was with great pride I described how's two year old has learned to sit-up over the last several weeks. There are videos of the process on my YouTube channel.

My 2 year old's ground sit-up after the rollover - Day 2 ( second from left )

The purpose is the dialogue I wished to open was to explain that animal trainers are not all the same - nor are all police officers, priests, pro or college sports coaches / owners. Everyone should be judged on their own merits. Keep an open mind before you vilify an individual trying to make a living by doing something he loves and doing the best he can to be the best he can be.

I do not represent the Kelly Miller Circus; I only represent myself and my animals. I take it personally when I am accused of mistreating my animal on baseless and slanderous accusations.

Thank you to the members of the Indiana Animal Rights Alliance for humoring me with a civilized conversation ( sans the individual who would not shake my hand and was very apt to argue needlessly ). Anyone who wishes to contact me regarding my animals, their care, their treatment or our lives is welcome to contact me. TigerGuy[at]ShowMeElephants.com.

All photos taken today in Lebanon, Indiana.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Mccordsville IN

Kelly Miller Circus

Holder's Tigers

Rushville IN

Very grateful to have returned to grass after two days of rocky lots. It's the little things in life to appreciate. Practice will resume and hope to have two new additions to the show by next week !

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

Endeavors

We are smiling today ! Yesterday a tiger "enthusiast," Mike, came out to the Kelly Miller Circus just to see his favorite animals, the tigers. Afterwards, he came around to the back of the tent to take pictures of the girls outside playing. Mike was very adamant about making a donation to the tigers. As such, we are well on our way to acquiring their "toy." The 30-inch Planet Ball will hold up to the fury of tiger knives ( teeth and claws ). This endeavor can be supported as well by purchasing tiger paw prints made by 7 year old Zeya !

http://www.showmetigers.com/p/paw-prints.html

http://boomerball.com/boomerballs/37-planet-ball-30-inch.html

Jeffersonville IN

It saddens me to think people would take away the opportunity of the public to see these amazing animals up close and in their hometown. We had quite a few people out for setup today and many more planned for showtime. The kids, and adults too, love the crazy antics of the baby tiger. When she comes out for the lay down in the show you can hear the audible "awww" from the crowd. It almost makes me hesitant to have her start doing "big girl" tricks in the show. I don't want her to lose that "innocent" impression the audience sees.

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus

In the News

The following photographs were taken in Clermont, Indiana, courtesy of IndyStar.com

Holder's Tigers

Kelly Miller Circus