Dirk Arthur, who performed at several Vegas showrooms along with his exotic animals, died October 13 at his home in Las Vegas. He was 63.
Following his debut as a specialty act in the “Jubilee” adult revue in 1997, he went on to perform at the Silverton, Plaza, Tropicana, O’Sheas, Riviera and the Westgate. Arthur also performed for a time at Harrah’s in Reno and Laughlin.
Arthur and his exotic cats lived on 1-acre habitat near the Silverton. Over the years his performing cats included white and orange tigers, panthers, jaguars, leopards, cougars and a white lion. He had repeatedly been called upon by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to clear up safety infractions.
Arthur’s act was the final remaining exotic cat show of its kind in Las Vegas. He was planning to take over a theater in Branson, MO, to open a new show at the time of his death.
Clark County Animal Control called Tigers in America and asked for help. Along with Mike from In-Sync Exotics’ team, we arrived in Las Vegas on October 21st, loaded 6 tigers and drove 28 hours to Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Indiana.
The six tigers, all girls (including three 9-year-old sisters from the same litter), now live together in a natural setting in large enclosures, where they will receive lifetime care.
It’s a good day for tigers. There are no more tiger shows in Las Vegas.
