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Nine-Year-Old Lion Tamer Braves Pack of Ten in Back-Yard Cage
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Silent | ca 1930s | B/W | English

Categories:
Cameron County
Brownsville
Newsreels
1930s
NARA
Texas Locations:
Brownsville
Cameron County
This Universal Newsreel footage features 9-year-old Manuel King, son of the famed 'Snake King of Brownsville' and touted as the World's Youngest Wild Animal Trainer. Manuel began working with lions when he was only 7, after befriending an orphaned lion cub the family raised. Manuel toured the U.S. and Mexico with his act and also played the role of Baru, Son of the Jungle in the film Darkest Africa (1936). Keep an eye out for the family's sheep dog, Trixie, who was also a part of the act and had a hand in raising the 10 lions.
Wini Brady
2022-02-13 17:55:21
I had the measure to know Manny in the 1960's. He was very colorful and chrismatic. His knowledge of animal influenced me and has stayed with me all these years. Manny was an experience to know! I have sadly lost track of his family.
Wini Brady
2022-02-13 17:55:21
I had the measure to know Manny in the 1960's. He was very colorful and chrismatic. His knowledge of animal influenced me and has stayed with me all these years. Manny was an experience to know! I have sadly lost track of his family.