Press

Associated Press (AP) · Peoria

Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion' Is Dead

"His trainer, Monty Cox, announced his death yesterday in Peoria... Cause of death was given as gastric disorders and blood poisoning. Cox said he had taken Clarence for a walk Saturday."

OCA Interview 

Animal Movies and Action Men

"Following negotiations, I flew to Miami to become the animal coordinator on Gentle Ben. Now, Gentle Ben had attacked their previous coordinator... Hence, I was sent to Florida to 'fix the bear'."

Staff Feature · By Geri Reynolds

Ben, You've Lost a Loyal Fan

"Gentle Ben attacked him. Bear and young man engaged in ferocious battle, tumbling from one end of the stage to the other... No amount of explaining by his mother could convince the crying boy that it was only an act."

Chronicle-Tribune

'Star' Visits Here

"Judy, the eight-year-old ex-star of the television series, 'Daktari,' stopped in Marion... Traveling to a state fair engagement with her trainer Monty Cox, and another handler, Susan Backlinie."

Huntington Press · By Mark Schulz

Judy The Chimp Star Of TV Series

"Judy obeyed Monty's commands with immediate response when he asked her to shake hands... Monty now trains about 50 animals including those in the 'Cowboy in Africa' and 'Gentle Ben' series."

CBS Feature · Ch. 2 Daktari

Living Dangerously

"Wrestling a 400-pound tiger is what trainer Monte Cox is doing for a scene in 'Daktari'... LOVE is a many striped thing when Penda, a Bengal tiger, gets together with his attendant, Monte Cox."

TV Press Feature · Evening Stroll

'Gentle Ben' Trainer Bears No Burden

"I got into a cage with five lions, two tigers, two leopards and two jaguars. I crouched on the floor and ran around with the cats chasing me. Then I leaped straight up, and the 11 cats came up after me."

Suburban Times · Walt Disney

Times Classified & Major the Lion

"Walt Disney Productions 'NAPOLEON and SAMANTHA' starring Michael Douglas, Will Geer... Meet 2 determined children and a lovable lion named Major as they set out for exciting adventures."

Oregon Production · Location News

Movie Makers Begin Shooting

"Three lions, two bears, two cougars and a rooster are also being handled by Stewart Raffill and his animal trainers, his father, Joe, and Monty Cox."

Beverly Hilton · Bachelors' Ball

Party Going Tiger

"Bachelors' Ball chairman Jeffrey Peterson had a few surprises up his sleeve... including stationing Gombe the tiger where a receiving line would normally stand in the ballroom foyer."

The Rangefinder · By Joyce Young

Big Cats Opened the Door to Commercials

"Gambi liked the taste, I guess, because he opened his mouth wide — four-inch teeth and all — and clamped it over my shoulder... Monty responded in a split second and spoke softly, 'Leave it!'"

Susan Backlinie

Stunts & Wild Animals

"Famed as the first victim in "Jaws," Susan was a highly proficient animal trainer and stuntwoman. Working alongside elite trainers like Monty, these archival stories showcase the dangerous and real-life action behind Hollywood's golden era."