Cincinnati Animal Trainer Behind 'Superman' Movie's Real Creatures
Source: It's a bird! It's a plane! It's...Megan-Kate Hoover, who trained animals for 'Superman' (2025-11-25)
Megan-Kate Hoover, a dedicated animal trainer from Greater Cincinnati, played a pivotal role in bringing the animals in the blockbuster film "Superman" to life. While the iconic dog Krypto was entirely CGI, Hoover trained the real turtles, squirrels, and barking dogs featured in the movie, showcasing her extensive expertise. She operates Pet Pawsible from her Highland Heights home, with over 20 film credits to her name, including this major project. Hoover’s passion for animals began at age 9 volunteering at a zoo in Tacoma, Washington, and by 15, she became the youngest licensed wildlife rehabilitator in the state. Her career spans working with exotic animals like tigers, wallabies, and dolphins, including a two-year stint in Thailand training wild dolphins. Beyond her Hollywood work, Hoover is committed to animal welfare, offering professional training services that emphasize humane and effective techniques. Her Cincinnati roots and lifelong dedication exemplify how local talent can influence global entertainment, highlighting the importance of animal trainers in creating authentic on-screen animal performances. Recent advancements in animal training technology, such as remote training devices and virtual reality simulations, are revolutionizing the industry, making animal training safer and more humane. Additionally, the increasing demand for realistic CGI animals has shifted some focus away from live training, but experts like Hoover demonstrate that skilled trainers remain essential for complex scenes requiring genuine animal behavior. As Hollywood continues to evolve, Cincinnati’s Megan-Kate Hoover stands out as a leading figure blending traditional animal training with cutting-edge techniques, ensuring both entertainment quality and animal welfare are prioritized. Her story underscores the vital role of local professionals in shaping major film productions and advancing humane animal training practices worldwide.
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