[This article originally appeared in the July/August 2008 issue of BizBash magazine.]
Looking to think outside the band? Check out these acts with four-legged, furry, and winged performers.
Los Angeles-based Walking With Lions has 15 lions and lionesses that leap, tumble, and place in a secure display arena. Trainers explain big-cat behavior as they lead the beasts through a customizable half-hour show. The company's animals have appeared at events for Sony, Cunard cruise lines, and Lincoln Mercury, including tigers at the premiere for Doctor Doolittle. Rates start at around $5,000. The company can work worldwide.
Photo: Courtesy of Walking With Lions
Birds N' Beasts Inc. of Las Vegas specializes in free-flight bird shows using trained condors, eagles, falcons, owls, parrots, cockatoos, and other birds. The company offers nine different stage shows, or clients may opt for tailored experiences, like having a raptor deliver an item to an event's M.C. Shows run from 10 minutes to one hour. Past clients include Wynn Las Vegas and Disneyland. The company works only in the U.S. Rates start at $500 for a Las Vegas show.
Photo: Courtesy of Birds N' Beasts Inc.
CoolDog Productions of Las Vegas presents shows with as many as 12 canines performing stunts like agility racing, jumping, diving, and sheepherding, complemented with props, costumes, and music. Customizable performances range from six minutes to two hours. Past clients include Ford Motor Company, Old Navy, and 3M Pet Division. Rates start at $3,500 for a single performance or $1,700 per day for multiple days. The act can perform worldwide.
Photo: Courtesy of CoolDog Productions
Trained macaws and cockatoos perform memory and coordination exercises set to music in the Cheep Thrills bird show. During each 20-minute revue, five birds ride bicycles, roller skate, solve intelligence puzzles, balance on props, and interact with the audience. Past clients include American Airlines, Y.M.C.A., and Microsoft. The shows are available worldwide.
Photo: Courtesy of Cheep Thrills
A&I Events Cirque Style Productions of Las Vegas books animal acts such as the Snake and Mystery routine—an acrobatic snake-charmer act using boa constrictors—or a trained-dog sketch. Clients include Gaylord Hotels, Celebrity Cruise Lines, UBS Investment Bank, and Vodavi Communications Systems. Rates start at $3,500. The acts can perform throughout North America.
Photo: Courtesy of A&I Events Cirque Style Productions
