The Travelling Rizzoli Troupe was a group of nomadic entertainers founded by Signore Augusto Rizzoli, consisting of four Italians, two Africans, and a German. Temporarily, Ben and Ned were made performers. Also in the troupe were Mwaga, a python, and Poppea, an aging white mare. After being tricked by Al Misurata into thinking they were to be given passage back home to Vicenza, Italy, but in actuality were just being shipped into slavery, Ben and Ned made it their mission to free them.