Gunther Gebel-Williams, German animal trainer. Recipient award German Association Raising and Breeding Horses, 1970; Granx prize Federation du Cirque France, 1962; Ernst Renz plaque Germany, 1967; Entertainer of Year award American Guild of Variety Artists, 1973; grand prize Federation International dur Cirque, 1974; named Mississippi Colonel, Kentucky Colonel.
Background
Gebel was born in Schweidnitz, Lower Silesia (now Świdnica, Poland). As a child he and his mother emigrated to Germany when Silesia was ceded to Poland after World World War 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.
Education
Educated, Pestalozzi School, Germany.
Career
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. Gebel was a well-known circus animal trainer.
He 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 Editor Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, in addition to his work with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, accelerated his renown as a tamer primarily of elephants and tigers. Their mother is Sigrid Gebel.
After retiring from the ring, he took a management position as Vice President of Animal Care for the circus. He died on July 19, 2001 in Venice, Florida under the name "Gunther Gebel-Williams".
Achievements
Connections
Married Sigrid Elisabeth Neubauer, April 10, 1968. Children– Tina, Oliver Mark.
Recipient award German Association Raising and Breeding Horses, 1970. Granx prize Federation du Cirque France, 1962. Ernst Renz plaque Germany, 1967.
Entertainer of Year award American Guild of Variety Artists, 1973. Grand prize Federation International dur Cirque, 1974. Named Mississippi Colonel, Kentucky Colonel.
Recipient award German Association Raising and Breeding Horses, 1970. Granx prize Federation du Cirque France, 1962. Ernst Renz plaque Germany, 1967.
Entertainer of Year award American Guild of Variety Artists, 1973. Grand prize Federation International dur Cirque, 1974. Named Mississippi Colonel, Kentucky Colonel.