Skip to Main Content

Aniwa, Wisconsin: Wilbert Behn, Lion Tamer (Gone)

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Hours:
Closed by 2005; Wilbert died 2011, Martha died 2013.
Status:
Gone

Wilbert Behn, Lion Tamer.

Wilbert Behn, Lion Tamer

Self-taught lion and tiger tamer Wilbert Behn used to perform at Behn's Game Farm. The attraction closed before the Behn's retired in 2005. Wilbert passed away in 2011, wife Martha joined him in 2013.

Roadsideamerica.com Report...

Wilbert Behn in his Homemade Arena.

Aniwa, Wisconsin - Wilbert Behn in his Homemade Arena (1991)
Behn's Game Farm:

From a 1991 visit with the late Wilbert Behn, eating fire and performing a solo routine with his semi-cooperative lions and tigers.

Watch Video.

Visitor Tips and News About Wilbert Behn, Lion Tamer

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Mrs. Behn post card.

Behn's Game Farm

Martha Behn passed away on June 15th 2013.

[Candy Behn, 06/19/2013]

Martha was married to Wilbert Behn -- lion tamer extraordinaire -- for over 60 years. The two owned and operated Behn's Game Farm, where Wilbert would put on shows with his big cats, from 1962 until he finally retired in his eighties. He passed away in 2011. Martha, an animal expert in her own right, was 88. From what we witnessed, they were a great team. Here's a classic post card we always treasured of Martha in action.

Behn's Game Farm

I can't believe he's still alive! They were old when I was a kid. I grew up in Aniwa , and have been living in PA for 11 years after 5 years in the navy. I came across your article and it made me homesick. My friends and I used to ride our bikes out to watch the lions do back flips. I've never seen that anywhere else. He didn't have any tigers then, but I'll never forget that old man dancing with a huge black bear. Once I got to hold and feed a new born baby lion. On a still day you could hear the male lion roaring from our house -- used to drive my dog nuts. Thanks for bringing back some memories of a place I haven't thought of in years.

[James Calhoun, 02/05/2000]

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Wisconsin Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

World's Largest Cat, Pine Island, New York (Apr 22-28, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings