Gunther Gebel-Williams


Gunther Gebel-Williams was an animal trainer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1968-1990.

Early life

Gebel was born in Schweidnitz, Lower Silesia. As a child he and his mother emigrated to Germany when Silesia was ceded to Poland after World War II. His father was still missing in the Soviet Union when he and his mother started working for Circus Williams in Germany in 1947. When the owner suddenly died, his widow asked the then 18-year-old Gebel to train and take over which began his career as an animal trainer. He then took on the additional surname Williams.

Career

Gebel-Williams came to prominence during the early days of television when the circus was still a popular form of entertainment. His appearances on television shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, in addition to his work with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, accelerated his renown as a tamer primarily of elephants and tigers. After retiring from the ring, he took a management position as Vice President of Animal Care for the circus. He passed down his skills as an animal trainer and performer to his son, Mark.

Death

Gebel-Williams died of a brain tumor on July 19, 2001 in Venice, Florida.