THE LEGENDARY LIFEBIOGRAPHY
Monty cox: a life with animals and adventure
Monty Cox, born on June 1, 1940, in Huntington, Indiana, spent his early years in Oakland, California. His childhood was marked by a sense of adventure and mischief, growing up with his older brother Doug in a small trailer court.
Monty’s father was a merchant marine, often away at sea, leaving their mother to raise the boys. Despite the challenges, Monty’s early life was filled with gymnastics and the thrill of potential opportunities, such as an offer from Ringling Bros. to join the circus.
| AS A YOUNG BOY…
Monty’s life took a tumultuous turn when his family moved to Reno, Nevada. In Reno, he mingled with local Piute Indians, which led to numerous adventures and frequent trouble. His bold spirit often clashed with authority, resulting in multiple run-ins with the law.
"Monty’s time in the reform school was marked by violence and brutality, providing a harsh, formative experience that would shape his resilient character."
Upon his release from the reform school, Monty sought solace and excitement in the desert and through various jobs. He developed a love for scuba diving, eventually transitioning into commercial diving. Monty’s diving experiences in the 1960s were akin to the Wild West underwater, marked by thrilling and often dangerous encounters.
| THE HOLLYWOOD BREAKTHROUGH
Monty’s career took a pivotal turn when he began working as an animal handler. His big break came with an interview at Africa USA, where he started handling exotic animals. His innate ability to understand and connect with animals quickly became evident. Monty’s philosophy emphasized allowing animals to think and learn from their mistakes, fostering a deep understanding of their emotional and mental states.
One of Monty’s significant achievements was his role as the head trainer for the TV show "Gentle Ben," despite having no prior experience with bears. This opportunity showcased his natural talent for animal training and led to further high-profile projects. Monty worked on the film "Apocalypse Now," managing dangerous and complex animal scenes, further cementing his reputation in the industry.
| BIG CATS & GLOBAL LEGACY
Monty's film career continued with major productions, including "Bird on a Wire" starring Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn.
Monty's expertise with big cats brought him to Siegfried & Roy in Puerto Rico where he and Susan Backlinie-known for her role, Chrissie, in the film Jaws-brought them their first lion. Siegfried & Roy instantly knew Monty was a "unique" and "gifted trainer." His understanding of animal behavior was more than evident. Right then Monty became Siegfried & Roy's Animal Trainer/behaviorist throughout their career. Monty was chosen to create Siegfried & Roy's iconic Las Vegas show, branding lions and tigers, along with making their life story in IMAX.
This is only a small snapshot of Monty's career. In his book, 'Animals, Movies, and Minds from Another Time,' Monty offers a fascinating insight into more of this world. His life, passion, and career.
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