Wild animal man,

by DAMOO as Told to Richard Taplinger DHOTRE

Book by Dhotre, Damoo Gangaram

Genres: Animals

154 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short biography of an animal trainer who worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in the 40s (and 50s?) timeframe. It follows the basic form of all such books, with the humble beginnings of a poor boy (in India this time) who manages to beg his way into working for a small circus, and then manages to fulfill his dream of working with dangerous animals by doing something remarkably foolhardy (in this case entering a lion's cage without permission and surviving) to catch the eye of the current animal trainer. Perhaps these stories are true, but it's hard to ignore the presence of formula.

I do appreciate this one for its detail in training methods. I believe this is the only book I've read so far that placed such an emphasis on ropes being used from the outside to make the animal move in the desired way -- this requires a large number of assistants in breaking/training any animal, and most trainers prefer to emphasize their solo role in these tasks. The chapter where Dhotre had to create a mixed act with two tigers and a ram was a great read (in part for the wonderful moments when the simple domestic ram turns out to be the most vicious component). There's much less self-back-patting than in most such books, and the tales of the numerous ways animals have made of a fool of him are fun. I felt more like I was chatting with a fellow animal-lover than the usual sense of reading a promotional packet.

A simple book with a lot of exciting details conveyed very quietly, I read it in a single sitting.

[Robert Jersak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple but delightful transcription of interviews conducted with Damoo Dhotre, one of the greatest circus animal trainers to ever live. The amount of respect, love and concern that Damoo had for the animals he worked with is evident throughout. Perhaps rightfully, this work has gone out of fashion over time. However, Richard Taplinger's work in bringing Dhotre's life story to audiences evokes a bit of the danger and grandeur and spectacle of circus days past.

Note: I picked up a copy of this lovely little book at The Village Booksmith in Baraboo, Wisconsin, just after attending a morning performance at nearby CircusWorld. Both of these magical places are highly recommended. Two more gems in the Driftless midwest.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story about an animal trainer in an Indian Circus. The author wanted to be a trainer since he was a little boy and went on to become famous, working in circuses around the world, with Ringling Bros, and even in the movies. Has black and white photos and a striking cover design.