Las Vegas, March 2: Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn were back on stage Sunday for one last performance with the same white tiger that had attacked Horn in 2003, putting a halt to their popular show.
The star-studded charity performance, marking a miraculous comeback, was received with an overwhelming ovation by the crowd.
Horn and Fischbacher took to a smoke-filled stage at the Bellagio hotel-casino, joined by Montecore, the 380-pound Bengal tiger that had mauled Horn five years ago.
Fischbacher took his place in the middle of a cage, which was covered with a white drape. When Horn yanked a rope and lifted the drape, Montecore and the magician had switched places. The tiger had entered the cage and Fischbacher stood safe on stage.
Later, when the cage door was opened for Montecore, the animal placidly walked out and lay in front of the two performers.
The duo then removed their masks, waved and blew kisses to the audience. "Within all of us there is an illusive melody, which when heard and followed will lead you to the fulfillment of your fondest dreams," said Horn.
The event was held as the first—and last—performance of Siegfried & Roy, following the latter’s near-fatal injuries during a performance at the MGM Mirage in October 2003, when their pet sank his teeth into Horn's neck.
The audience stood horrified as the tiger dragged him off the stage.
Horn crushed his wind pipe, suffered massive blood loss and a minor stroke, requiring two surgeries and extensive physical rehabilitation to be in this world. Though he was left partially paralyzed with limited motor skills, doctors said his survival itself was "miraculous".
Later, he said the tiger had tried to move him out of danger after he fainted, but not many animal experts were prepared to buy the story.
After 13 years and some 5,000 performance, the tiger’s betrayal forced the duo to call off their popular show. However, they agreed for one final performance for a noble cause.
Saturday’s performance was attended by Danny DeVito and wife Rhea Perlman, Hilary Duff, Kristin Davis and Teri Hatcher, who auctioned off a dinner at her L.A. residence.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, which helped in the treatment of Horn.
Post new comment