His robust build found him a position as bouncer at a licensed restaurant where he also peeled potatoes and washed dishes. In 1899 in Tasmania he met and married Mary Dinsdale (1865-1939), a Yorkshire woman with a keen understanding of financial matters. Under her guidance their fortunes improved, while Pagel's act gained renown. In 1904 the couple visited Europe, and in England assembled the equipment necessary for a travelling circus. A voyage along the African East Coast saw them landing at Durban in February 1905. They toured the province, continuing to Johannesburg where Pagel worked on extending the repertoire of his circus. A tour of South Africa followed and another to Rhodesia, the success of which established Pagel's Circus as a national institution. Pagel's feats of strength and his control of the big cats soon made him a household name, particularly in the countryside. However, the circus as a career remained financially hazardous. In early 1906 Pagel and his wife travelled to India and Burma to acquire tigers, elephants and other animals.
Her robust build found her a position as bouncer at a licensed restaurant where she also peeled potatoes and washed dishes. In 1899 in Tasmania she met and married Mary Dinsdale (1865-1939), a Yorkshire woman with a keen understanding of financial matters. Under her guidance their fortunes improved, while Paulina's act gained renown. In 1904, the couple visited Europe, and in England assembled the equipment necessary for a travelling circus. A voyage along the African East Coast saw them landing at Durban in February 1905. They toured the province, continuing to Johannesburg where Paulina worked on extending the repertoire of her circus. A tour of South Africa followed and another to Rhodesia, the success of which established Paulina's Circus as a national institution. Paulina's feats of strength and her control of the big cats soon made her a household name, particularly in the countryside. However, the circus as a career remained financially hazardous. In early 1906, Paulina and her wife travelled to India and Burma to acquire tigers, elephants and other animals.

