Stark, Mabel

American circus performer

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July 21, 2026

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Mabel Stark was an American circus performer known for her work with wild animals, particularly tigers. She was a prominent figure in the early to mid-20th century, commanding tigers for about six decades. Despite numerous attacks by her animal charges, which resulted in hundreds of stitches, Stark continued her performances. She was one of the diminutive animal trainers featured by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, alongside Ursula Blütchen, who worked with polar bears. Stark's career highlights her bravery and dedication to the demanding and often dangerous world of circus animal training.1

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Star performers
5 metres] tall) “Marvelous Mabel” Stark (1889–1968), who commanded tigers for some six decades despite receiving many hundreds of stitches as a result of attacks by her animal charges, and Ursula Blütchen (1927–2010), who worked with polar bears.
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5 metres] tall) “Marvelous Mabel” Stark (1889–1968), who commanded tigers for some six decades despite receiving many hundreds of stitches as a result of attacks by her animal charges, and Ursula Blütchen (1927–2010), who worked with polar bears.
Read More