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Once they were FREAKS, today the girls adore them!
Victor and Gabriel Gomez, known worldwide as the Wolf Boys, have become heroes since joining the circus.
People used to avoid them and they were called freaks, but now they are even more popular than the musclemen in the show.
These Mexican brothers suffer from a rare and incurable disease called hypertrichosis or “werewolf syndrome.” This means that thick, dark animal-like hair covers their faces, neck and arms from a very young age.
The townsfolk were certain that they were cursed. The brothers were stared at and mocked in their hometown and they became so unhappy that they refused to go to school, preferring to stay at home.
But this all changed when the circus came to town and their grandmother insisted they join. Robert Campa, the manager, trained the very intelligent boys to be trapeze artists, jugglers and acrobats and he hired a teacher so that they could continue with their education.
“I am so happy,” says Gabriel, “I earn a good salary, I have learnt and seen interesting things and I have self-respect. We can afford to send our family lots of money.”
Instead of hurtful comments and insults, the boys are admired and receive many compliments, especially from their female admirers.
Victor (13) says his life changed into a fairy-tale with a happy ending, since joining the circus. “People still call us the Wolf Boys, but they do it with love,“ he says.
British children’s rights organisations have condemned using children in freak shows. They have insisted that the practice end, pointing out that even animal acts have been banned in circuses.
Victor and Gabriel do not agree and hope to continue with their profession.
(Adapted from the You magazine, 9 Nov. 1995)
1. Listen very carefully to this article being read to you, before indicating whether the statements are true or false.
| (a) Victor and Gabriel are known as the Wolf Boys. | T | F |
| (b) The brothers and their family lived in Spain. | T | F |
| (c) The boys are covered in a thick animal-like fur. | T | F |
| (d) They refused to go to school because they were naughty. | T | F |
| (e) Robert Campa was the teacher who was hired to continue their schooling. | T | F |
| (f) The boys were trained to juggle and sing. | T | F |
| (g) Gabriel and Victor send money home to their family. | T | F |
| (h) The girls adore the Wolf Boys and give them compliments. | T | F |
| (i) Some children’s rights organisations want freak shows using children, to stop. | T | F |
| (j) Circus acts using animals are still illegal. | T | F |
[LO 1.5; 1.6]
| Checklist for myself | ||||
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Yes | No | ||
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| Individual Performance Scale | ||||
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4 | 5 | ||
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2 | 3 | 4 | |
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1 | 2 | ||
2. Note to the teacher
Music / songs work very well as listening skills.
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