Don McLennan , circus animal trainer in United States McLennan was born * ⚭ Married to Hope McLennan born . McLennan was a famous animal trainer, not only working for circuses and zoos, but also for Film productions, like Dr. Dolittle, where he trained a giraffe to be ridden, using a crate, a concept which was later copied by institutions who trained giraffes.
Don was a circus wild west cowboy appearing in after show concerts western themed with roping, trick riding, etc. With his wife, Hope. He was on Clyde Beatty and other western circuses over the years and became pretty handy at training liberty, trick horses, etc. A great flair for costuming and novelty liberty presentations. He trained, showed and sold a number of horse, pony, mule acts over the years. I believe he was last with Vargas and in fact replaced me and my family when we blowed in Chico, calif. Don was also a first rate harness maker and made for me some really fine liberty horse and pony harness. Red patent leather, German silver hardware, etc. As good as any European. Family still have some now practice harness from Don. He was a nice fellow of high integrity and very modest but extremely capable. He sold acts to Atayde, Fuentes, etc. Nice to see your blog about him. A real show guy. With due respect. John Herriott
This Western scene has nothing to do with ranchers and cowboys. Instead, Don McLennan, a trainer for Circus Vargas, is exercising his horse, Eagle, before the circus opening performance in the South Bay. The circus will give performances today, tomorrow and Tuesday under the big top at 33rd St. and National Ave., between Chula Vista and National City. National City Star-News, Volume 99, Number 10, 1 February 1981
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