goofball on a train

Hi Everybody.

First off, many of you have suggested that I continue writing this blog, while others say that it's a good idea to end it here. I've decided to continue writing for those who want to follow. BUT, if you have no interest in reading further, fear not! As mentioned in a previous post, I am moving ALL of the circus-related posts to THIS WORDPRESS BLOG, and there you can read it down like a book. Please be aware that I'm going to have to transfer five years' worth of posts one by one, and this will take some time. Thank you for your patience.


This week I have gathered some additional photos and things from the final days of the Red Unit that I wanted to share with you.

This photo was taken by Amanda Stevens during the final Red Unit tiger act. Taba (tiger trainer) was holding it together pretty well until the final trick, which involved all of the tigers sitting up in a row. He lined them up for the trick, then broke down in tears. Absolutely sobbing in the middle of the arena with several thousand people looking on. His daughter was standing outside the ring, and although she wasn't facing me it was clear that she was crying hard. Thirty years. Taba has worked with these and other tigers for thirty years, and it all came to an end after this final bow. His daughter has been on the road and worked with the cats since she was a young child. I would cry too, if I were about to lose my life's work.

Eventually Taba composed himself enough to have the tigers do the trick, then sent them to their places. At that point he normally would have dismissed them, but he was still trying to stop crying. At that moment, one of the tigers got down off her pedestal, walked up to him, and nuzzled him, as though to ask, "Why are you crying?" And Taba grabbed her and squeezed her and cried into her fur.


Everyone in the arena was standing, and many people were crying. It was a heartbreaking and beautiful moment, and we should all thank Amanda for capturing it. <3

And if you find that touching, I suggest you read this interview with Taba, published on May 6th. Absolutely heartbreaking. (CLICK HERE to read)

As I mentioned in the last post, many people had not moved off the train yet by Sunday night. Most of the moving out occurred on Monday. For some people, this train has been their home for their entire lives. Ivan (clown) was born here, and had to say goodbye to the train forever. If this doesn't break your heart I don't know what will.

Circus people care deeply about their home on wheels. Nikki (train crew) even has a tattoo on her leg of her train car.


Come to think of it, many circus people have tattoos to commemorate their time on the circus. In fact, Matt "Toy Store" got this tattoo to commemorate the death of Ringling as we know it.