Ep 5. Siegfried & Roy: The Tiger Attack (Part 1)

In How It Really Happened season 5 episode 5, titled "Siegfried & Roy: The Tiger Attack (Part 1)," the show begins its detailed examination of one of the most shocking and tragic incidents in Las Vegas history. The episode tells the story of Siegfried and Roy, the world-famous illusionists who fascinated audiences with their glamorous shows which featured white tigers, lions, and other exotic creatures.

The first part of the episode traces the careers of Siegfried and Roy, from their early days as struggling performers to the pinnacle of their success in the 1990s, when they became one of the most popular and highly-paid acts on the Las Vegas Strip. The duo's popularity and success were fueled in part by the exotic animals they incorporated into their acts, which fascinated audiences with their beauty and grace.

However, the episode also reveals the darker side of Siegfried and Roy's relationship with their animals. The show delves into allegations of animal abuse that were leveled against the duo over the years, including accusations of neglect, mistreatment, and even euthanasia of their animals when they became too old or sick to perform.

Despite these controversies, Siegfried and Roy continued to perform with their animals, and their shows continued to draw huge crowds. That is, until the night of October 3, 2003, when everything changed.

The episode details the events leading up to the fateful performance at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, where Siegfried and Roy were performing one of their signature acts with a white tiger named Montecore. The show's producers, trainers, and others involved in the production describe the excitement and anticipation of the audience and the performers as they took the stage.

However, as the episode shows in heartbreaking detail, the performance quickly took a disastrous turn. During one of the tricks, Montecore became agitated and attacked Roy, severely injuring him and leaving him fighting for his life.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers to ponder the many questions raised by the tragic incident. How did such a beloved and seemingly well-trained animal turn on its trainer in such a violent manner? What would be the fate of Siegfried and Roy's show, their partnership, and their legacy in the aftermath of the attack? And most importantly, would Roy survive his injuries and be able to recover from the physical and emotional trauma of the attack?

Overall, the first part of "Siegfried & Roy: The Tiger Attack" is a gripping and emotional exploration of one of the most shocking events in Las Vegas history. Through interviews with those who were there and extensive archival footage, the episode brings the story to life in vivid and heart-wrenching detail, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the story in Part 2.