Troy and Mike both admit that sometimes the elephants know their performance cues better than their trainers, and have to remind their human handlers – gently – where to go next!
Akron, Ohio
Bath, England
Bath, England
"We spend more time with the elephants than many people do with their families!"
Troy Metzler fell in love with the circus, its animal performers and elephants in particular when he was just eight years old. However, it was only after a detour into a profession of startling contrast to his current calling that he was able to realize his really big dream, much like Dan in the 136th Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth®.
Mike Hayward also developed an early love for animals while growing up in England. When he eventually enrolled in college to pursue a degree in animal behavior, he reached the chapter on elephants and went no further. Together, Troy and Mike now reside among, train and perform with Ringling Bros.® troupe of 10 delightful pachyderms whose talents are abundantly apparent throughout a production that reveals that – no surprise to Troy and Mike – the elephants are actually running the show!
Mike Hayward also developed an early love for animals while growing up in England. When he eventually enrolled in college to pursue a degree in animal behavior, he reached the chapter on elephants and went no further. Together, Troy and Mike now reside among, train and perform with Ringling Bros.® troupe of 10 delightful pachyderms whose talents are abundantly apparent throughout a production that reveals that – no surprise to Troy and Mike – the elephants are actually running the show!