Moolah Shrine Circus 1990?

An assortment of photos of circuses performing in St. Louis have been found in my father's collection. Unfortunately, most are unlabeled and they all are mixed up. An effort is underway to sort the photographs and identify the herds and handlers. St. Louis, Missouri, is the hometown of ShowMe Elephants. It has been fun identifying these sets.

Moolah Shrine Circus, St. Louis
Photo Courtesy of M Easley

This group of photographs are labeled taken in 1990. The ring curbs identify the show as the Moolah Shrine Circus of St. Louis at Busch Stadium. Veteran bear trainer James C. Hall identifies the elephants as those of Donnie Johnson. The four African elephants appearing in the closest ring are the male Tonka and females Kamba & Randa, presented by John Pelton.

Moolah Shrine Circus, St. Louis
Photo Courtesy of M Easley

The 1990 label on these photos is perhaps incorrect. "Elephant," The Publication of the Elephant Research Foundation, Vol 2 No 4, January 2000. p 65-71, lists the death of seven year old Tonka in summer 1989 of a viral infection. His age is questionable as well. A February 1987 Circus Report a four year old Tonka performing with Jimmy Hale, son of Dave Hale of 5-H Ranch in Missouri. The article states the animal was trained by Army MaGuire and finished up into a single act by Joanne Wilson. An elephant census published three months later lists Tonka with Dave Hale. An African female Tonka is also listed with Tom Demry along with female Annie, but this is incorrect per Mr. Demry. The Tonka in question is most likely a duplication of Hale's animal.

The African female Randa was owned by Army Maguire through the late 1980s. She and an African male Mike, along with a tiger, died in a barn fire at Donnie Johnson's winter quarters in Seagoville, Texas, in March 1995, per a March 1995 Circus Report.

The African female Kamba was owned by Doug Terranova. Purchased around July 1984 from the International Wildlife Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, the animal was also trained by Army Maguire. Terranova's two elephants, Kamba and Congo, were transferred to the Dallas Zoo's new elephant facility in 2010.

The identity of the importer for Tonka and Randa is sought.

Moolah Shrine Circus, St. Louis
Photo Courtesy of M Easley

The identity of the fourth animal and its handler in the farther ring is sought.

Moolah Shrine Circus, St. Louis
Photo Courtesy of M Easley

Moolah Shrine Circus, St. Louis
Photo Courtesy of M Easley

For Further Information:
>> "Moolah Shrine Circus" at ShowMe Elephants