The Stankowich family (Stankiewicz) has its origins in Romania with Pedro Stankowich and Emile Bouglione, who came to Brazil in the middle of the XIX century. Both were saltimbancos, he an acrobat and tamer. It is one of the most ancient families in the country with five generation descendants. Toninho Stankowich, third generation, was known by his collection of animals in his circus.