Animals, Movies, & Minds from Another Time: Behind the Scenes & Untold Stories of Film-Making with Exotic Animals - Paperback

by Monty Cox (Author)

From his troubled childhood to the spontaneous and humorous introduction to lions, tigers, bears, and jaguars, Monty Cox has become a legend in the animal Entertainment field. Live animal work is an "Art." In the Entertainment field it has become a "Lost Art." It takes intense dedication, a deeply compassionate, loving bond with the animals, and an intense fearlessness to handle any challenges that may evolve. Through a collection of stories, in his own passionate and charismatic words, Monty Cox takes you through his world of primal teeth and claws: how exotic animals - lions, tigers, bears, and more - are trained for film, television, and live acts. This collection of TRUE stories - almost surreal - will have you feeling like you were right by the animals' sides, working face to face with them. You will experience the delightful energy of creating the bear's character in GENTLE BEN, you will accompany Monty during his humorous travel to the Philippines, as well as experience the suspenseful intensity and sheer beauty of the tiger in APOCALYPSE NOW. You will share in the humorous and fun personalities of the tigers who were the branding 'stars' of the EXXON COMMERCIALS, and feel like you have trained and then are on stage with the stunning, noble, and beautiful White Lions and Tigers in SIEGFRIED & ROY'S LIVE Las Vegas SHOWS. These stories present the reader with vicarious experiences which have never been imagined or realized.

Author Biography

MONTY COX is a veteran in the Entertainment world. He is an Internationally known, award-winning Exotic Animal Trainer; 2nd Unit Director; Stunt Coordinator; and Stuntman. He owned and trained the ONLY Liberty Lion in the world - The Giant. His award-winning exotic animal work includes action scenes, fights, and stunt-attacks with exotics: APOCALYPSE NOW; GAMBER 2; BIRD ON A WIRE; GENTLE BEN; DAKTARI; & COWBOY IN AFRICA. His career also included live shows, most notably SIEGFRIED & ROY IN Las Vegas. He owned/trained the EXXON TIGERS, creating the commercial branding for the company, and has created numerous memorable animal commercials including KAL-KAN, LINCOLN-MERCURY, FABERGE, and SUBWAY. Monty continues to work in the Entertainment business and is still involved with animals. He resides in Sunland, California.