This morning the kids and I were invited out to the Citizens Business Bank Arena to watch a few Asian beauties bathe…Asian elephants to be precise. During the 1/2 hour presentation we learned about the Asian elephants daily schedules, what they like to eat (fresh bread and watermelon!), about each of their personalities (some like each other and some don’t) and we got to watch them bathe and do a few tricks.
The Asian elephants do tricks for food. These two cuties were waiting for a snack. The smallest elephant on the right did tricks for us like ringing a bell, wiping her face with a hanker chief and even kicking a soccer ball. The larger elephant on the left (I believe her name was Kelly Anne) is one of the Asian elephants that paints a picture during the pre show.
It was a neat experience to listen to the elephants handlers first hand. Did you know that only 1/3 of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s elephants are in the performance circuit? The other 2/3 of the elephants are in Florida at the center for elephant conservation in the reproduction and retirement stages. The Asian elephants are with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus for the entirety of their lives (although a few have been given to zoo’s for elephant companions).
During bathing the elephants turn around and lift each foot to get washed off. It was really neat to watch. This large elephant pooped during their bath. My 7 year old son thought that was the coolest.
My two oldest kids and I will be heading back out to the Citizens Business Bank Arena to watch the Ringling Bros. Circus this evening. Stay tuned for performance pictures!
Before each Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show is a Animal Open House that is free with each paid admission.
Log on for more information about Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Elephant conservation
