Just like people, giant cats have great days and bad days, and days they just don't want to do anything.
The six lions and two tigers in the Circus Pages - coming to Jefferson City for shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at Washington Park Ice Arena - are just like family to co-ringmaster Colleen Pages, 22.
Tickets are $15 each and sold at the door. Two children ages 14 and younger are admitted free with the purchase of each ticket.
"There's definitely a trust factor," Pages said. "We're their trainer and their caregiver.
"I know when they're not feeling good or when they're excited."
They share many tendencies with their smaller, domestic cousins.
"They're all spoiled," Pages said. "There's a lot of one-on-one time."
As cubs, Pages said she gets to know their personalities and especially their natural abilities.
"Not every cat does every trick the same," she said.
She's been working with the felines since age 13.
"Growing up, I didn't have a puppy, I had a baby tiger," Pages said. "I really enjoy it; it's my favorite thing."
Pages also has dabbled at juggling, unicycle and aerial work.
A sixth-generation circus performer, Pages noted "it's a very interesting lifestyle."
For the Pages family, their days revolve around the animals, also including two elephants, two horses, four camels and six ponies.
"Our day doesn't start with a cup of coffee," Pages said. "It starts with getting each and every animal what they need."
Her father, Jorge, hasn't always worked with animals; he began on the flying trapeze, she said.
And her younger brother, Jorge, concentrates more on the motorcycle stunts and juggling tricks.
But her mother, Freida, works with the horses.
"You have to want to do animals; it's a sacrifice," Pages said.
Circus Pages, a 40-member troupe, has stopped in Jefferson City for about 20 of its 25-year history.
In addition to new co-ringmasters - Pages and 14-year-old James Earhart, the show will bring two new acts.
The 90-minute shows include a teterboard troupe and more dangerous motorcycle tricks, as well as the expected aerial, juggling and clown acts.
As a one-ring operation, Circus Pages is one of few among the approximately 25 traveling circuses in the U.S. to provide such a variety, Pages said.
Before the shows, elephant and pony rides are available, as well as face painting.
And after the show, photos with the animals and performers may be available.
"This is a great, family-oriented show," Pages said. "People won't be disappointed by the glitter and glamour, animals and motorcycles, upbeat and old-school music."
Link: www.circuspages.com