Keller’s Jungle Killers (1956)

Keller’s Jungle Killers (1956) was a short-lived circus-style animal act at Disneyland, running from February 19 to September 7, 1956, in Fantasyland. Featuring Professor George J. Keller and his trained wild cats, it replaced the Mickey Mouse Club Circus (1955–1956) and occupied a circus tent near the future Matterhorn site.

Here are 10 fun facts about Keller’s Jungle Killers:

1. Circus Tent Venue: The show took place in a striped circus tent previously used for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus, located in Fantasyland’s Holidayland area, with a capacity of about 1,000 guests for four daily performances.
2. Professor Keller’s Expertise: George J. Keller, a former college professor turned animal trainer, led the act, using unarmed techniques to control a group of 13 jungle cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, pumas, jaguars, black panthers, and a cheetah.
3. Feline Fantastics Origin: The act debuted as Professor Keller’s Fantastic Felines during the Mickey Mouse Club Circus (November 1955–January 1956) but was rebranded Jungle Killers for a bolder appeal after the circus closed.
4. Head-in-Lion’s-Mouth Stunt: Keller’s signature stunt involved placing his head inside a lion’s mouth, a daring trick he had performed at fairs nationwide, captivating audiences with its thrill.
5. Sparkling Costumes: Keller wore glittering outfits to enhance the show’s spectacle, contrasting with the animals’ natural ferocity and adding a theatrical flair to his interactions with the cats.
6. B-Ticket Admission: The attraction required a 25-cent B-ticket or direct payment, a low-tier cost in Disneyland’s 1955–1982 ticket book system, making it accessible but less popular than A-ticket rides.
7. Declawed and Sedated Animals: For safety, the cats were declawed and sedated, allowing Keller to perform close-contact tricks without weapons, a method he pioneered to showcase trust-based training.
8. Seven-Month Run: The show lasted nearly seven months, from February 19 to September 7, 1956, marking Keller’s longest career engagement, extended due to initial interest from circus audiences.
9. Promotional Handbills: Disneyland distributed handbills at the main gate in summer 1956, advertising Keller’s Jungle Killers alongside new attractions like the Rainbow Caverns Mine Train and Mineral Hall.
10. Closure for Matterhorn: The act ended due to declining attendance and Disneyland’s shift toward permanent attractions, with the tent site later cleared for the Matterhorn Bobsleds, which opened in 1959.