It's great to read something here that isn't somehow related to politics. That was one fearless person. I would've paid to see that act, for sure!
7
The world is in no need for any kind of Tiger trainer, male or female. The unnecessary abuse of Tigers in captivity, especially circus acts, is well documented.
14
How awful that the bane of playgrounds and after-school sports, Insurance Companies, went after Mabel Stark, too.
10
Another fascinating profile!
I am going to check out the novel based on her life. I looked for the “Hold That Tiger” autobiography, but it appears to be a rare book and costs over $150 to acquire a copy. Too bad! But I am sure to enjoy the novel.
11
I applaud the NYT drive to incorporate these overlooked obituaries -- I love hearing about such independent, thoughtful souls. What a fascinating woman. I would have loved to see Starks show.
8
What an AWFUL story. That deluded woman, those miserable, misused Bengal tigers, many of whom were likely caught in the wild. Who can blame them for biting and scratching her? Circuses which include animal "acts" are barbaric, so glad the world has moved on. That horrible picture of the tiger "pyramid." So much for the good old days, in more ways than one.
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Enjoyed the story. Thank you!
5
Thank you, NYT, for this fascinating story!
5
Wonderful story about a fearless woman! I can’t imagine what it was like to be a lion tamer nor do I have any desire to be one but whatever propelled her into the field, she was one,very special, kind, courageous lady.
7
We still need fearless females to be tiger trainers -- in Washington, DC.
26
Thanks yet again for covering the past with such incisive narration and interest. This story deserves the telling, a good illustration of how a woman chose to live her own life -- and death -- the way she wanted, despite going contrary to the times. The symbolism might be of interest -- is this Hillary against the Republicans? The current slate of new young Dems against the old white male Senators? Or 'just' the individual woman against the male world? Or 'just' a great story about a woman doing her thing, with guts and stamina and stitches and blood and the resilience to carry out her passion to the end, at her choice. Love it!
7
Thank you for this project. As a woman, I find it inspiring. Though I think of myself as an informed and educated person, this obits in this project have been a real education for me on women who have played important but little known roles in history and culture. At 60, I cant help but think these perspectives of what woman can do would have been really mind expanding when was 20 and picking my life path. Hope these articles make it to class rooms!
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