Siegfried and Roy were a German-American duo known for their spectacular magic shows, which prominently featured white lions and white tigers. Their performances were a staple in Las Vegas, combining magic, illusion, and their love for exotic animals.

 

Siegfried Fischbacher born in 1939, in Rosenheim, Germany, developed an interest in magic at a young age. Roy Horn, born in 1944, in Nordenham, Germany, had a deep passion for animals, particularly exotic ones. They met while working on a cruise ship in the 1950s. Siegfried was performing magic, and Roy, who was working as a steward, assisted him during a show. Their shared interests led them to form a partnership.

 

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They began performing together in European nightclubs and gained a reputation for their innovative and captivating acts. The duo moved to Las Vegas in 1967 and gradually built a name for themselves with their unique blend of magic and live animals. This photo was taken around that time.

 

Siegfried and Roy became headliners in Las Vegas, their most famous show being at The Mirage, where they performed from 1990 until 2003. Their elaborate performances, which included white lions and white tigers, became a signature element of their act.

 

On October 3, 2003, during a performance at The Mirage, Roy was critically injured by one of their white tigers, Montecore. The tiger bit Roy on the neck, leading to severe injuries. This incident effectively ended their performing career. Despite the accident, both Siegfried and Roy maintained that it was not an attack but rather a protective instinct from the tiger. Roy's recovery was lengthy and challenging, but he remained dedicated to the animals.

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They were dedicated to the preservation of white tigers and lions and had a breeding program that helped increase the population of these rare animals. Roy passed away in 2020 due to complications related to COVID-19 and Siegfried less than a year later after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer.