Mabel Stark: Defying Danger and Gender Norms

Mabel Stark, born Mary Ann Haynie around 1888 or 1889, became a pioneering female tiger trainer in the early 20th century. Growing up in Princeton, Kentucky, her fascination with animals began at a young age. By chance, she met Al Sands of the Al G. Barnes Circus in California, who hired her as a nurse, later transitioning her to animal training.

Stark's career quickly advanced from horses and goats to tigers. She gained renown as the "Tiger Girl," commanding up to a dozen tigers simultaneously and famously wrestling her favorite, Rajah. Her success led her to join the prestigious Ringling Circus for increased pay.

She authored her autobiography, "Hold That Tiger," published in 1938 by Caxton Printers, which was marketed to young readers and achieved popularity. Stark was notably aware of breaking barriers, stating she deliberately chose a field where no other woman specialized, challenging the notion that tigers were too dangerous for women.

Stark's training philosophy centered on kindness and patience, a stark contrast to the abusive methods of some contemporaries. "Kindness and patience are the biggest factors in training," she asserted. Despite this, her career was fraught with danger. In 1928, an attack by unfed tigers left her with multiple broken bones and requiring 300 stitches. Another severe mauling occurred in 1950.

She continued performing until the late 1940s, then worked at Jungleland near Los Angeles for two decades. Even in her later years, she appeared on "What's My Line?" in 1961. Stark died by suicide in April 1968, months after being let go from Jungleland when the park's insurance coverage for her ceased.