Improvements

We enjoyed a no-show day yesterday in Acushnet, Mass., where we will be performing for the next three days. While the tigers relaxed, we worked at making a few upgrades on the show pedestals. New diamond plate seat tops were added and will soon be followed with an LED light underglow. Don't forget the premier of "Zoo" tonight on CBS, but we will not be featured until the second episode next week.

Housekeeping

Growing up as a child, I spent every school break I could volunteering at zoos and animal parks. A lot of that time was enjoyed in the reptile house of Springfield's Dickerson Park Zoo. I had a standing invitation. My first tasks upon arriving, every day, was always to clean the exhibit glass, sweep and remove any cobwebs. As a kid, it was the worst part of the experience. I wanted to do the cool stuff - feed snakes, clean cages hang out with the tortoises or gators. But the housekeeping chores were always first. Looking back, I am eternally grateful for those lessons. The small tasks are just as important as the big tasks, if not more so. Attention to detail is paramount to part of the larger responsibility at hand.

Mendham, NJ

Pool day in Mendham, New Jersey

In the News - Olney, Maryland

A nice article from Olney, Maryland. The woman is mentioned who was concerned about how the tigers were housed. I invited this person over to see my animals. As we spoke outside the compound, we watched as the tigers were running around, jumping in and out of their pools, playing together and enjoying their time following the second show. As she walked away, she said in disgust, "This is no life for them." It is dumbfounding how some can see such different perspectives of the same scene.

http://m.gazette.net/article/20150601/NEWS/150609985

Tired animals on "Zoo"

CBS new summer series "Zoo," premiering June 30. ShowMe Tigers will be featured in the second episode.

"I prefer CGI and not live animals, maybe in the future they can switch...hopefully.  The show looks GREAT.  Sad the animals are so tired they fall asleep during scenes (most recent ZooCBS article)" //Gina T.

Gina, do you realize big cats sleep up to 18 hours a day ? They eat a 100% protein diet - only raw meat. Protein is very hard for enzymes to break down, which requires long periods of rest for the digestive system to process it. In addition, the nutrients have to be absorbed quickly so the by products can be rapidly eliminated. If not, the meat would rot inside them.

There have been many comments about disappointment that real animals were used for filming. My animals were among some of those hired. The film crew, cast and directors were very accommodating to place the needs of my animals first. We had a representative of the American Humane Association on hand to supervise. Look at this from another perspective - instead of feeling sad for the animals who are "tired" ( let's remember what was just discussed about their digestive system ), feel comfortable in the fact that the animals were so relaxed during filming that they slept and enjoyed their time off. There is nothing wrong with working animals if they are taken care of, just like there is nothing wrong with having pets. Just because my boys and girls are bigger than the "average" companion animal doesn't make our relationship and interaction any less special.

Ryan Holder

Tiger trainer

Kelly Miller Circus