Two weekends ago we went to the Big Apple Circus, which turned out to be a highly enjoyable spectacle. When they carted out the animals, something pretty special happened: Jenny Vidbel, the animal trainer, appeared. She was fully in charge as she directed the performances of the dogs, ponies, horses and goats that pranced around the ring so delightfully. And we thought we were jaded New Yorkers!
Vidbel seemed overjoyed to be interacting with the furry beasts, smiling broadly and sometimes giggling. Once the formal program concluded, we had the rare opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet with the performers, and Vidbel was the star attraction.
She introduced her favorite horse, who bowed to the audience elegantly, and she talked about her work. When the floor opened for questions, we jumped at the chance to inquire about the zeal she exudes in working with the animals.
“You seem overjoyed to be training these circus animals. How did you come into your work?” we asked.
Vidbel related how she’s a third-generation circus performer and animal trainer who grew up traveling with her grandparents and their animals on various circuses throughout the country. As she grew, so did her love of ponies. Over the years her herd has grown to twelve, including a beautiful Arabian stallion.
So the job was basically handed to her? Not so much.
A small reception followed the meet-and-greet, and we approached her to continue the thread about her career. She talked about how she wakes up thinking about the animals, and how her role in the Big Apple Circus doesn’t feel like a job. All her siblings, in fact, were introduced to circus animals at a tender age, yet she was the only one to feel an affinity to the animals.
We started thinking about the skills of the circus animal trainer. Among the characteristics of the successful trainer, we noted:
- full presence in the moment, since she must be attuned to each one of the animals
- relaxed demeanor, to facilitate improvised interactions with the furry creatures as needed
- bundles of energy, for endurance in performing in front of large audiences.
It takes so much more, to be sure, and when you love what you’re doing, these requirements come naturally. In Vidbel’s case, it shows.
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