In 1981-82 I worked ring-stock ( an archaic term refering to show as opposed to draft animals ) for Ringling Bros Red Unit under the great Gunther Gebel-Williams.
For the '81 Lubbock TX show we picketed the horses and elephants in the parking lot beside the building. The weather was nice so we set up the picket line outside. The animals enjoyed being in the open as much as we did. As a public relations measure it also gave the public a chance to see and photograph the the only elephants they will ever see outside a zoo.
Martha is one of the sweetest and friendliest elephants I have known which is why she ALWAYS is placed on the end closest to the public ( I cannot fathom why some people think they can just walk up to a deadly animal and pet/feed/ride it).
I had worked around Martha for a while so she and I had some trust with each other.
While on stable watch one day I noticed an elderly couple admiring and snapping pics of Martha. Thinking to give them something to remember I said ( you guessed it ) "watch this" and told Martha "open wide". She rolled her trunk back and opened her mouth as if for a tooth brushing and on a whim I stuck my head in her mouth ( you know, like the old cartoon lion tamers trick ). I knew she wouldn't bite me but she knew a trick I have NEVER seen before or since. She closed her mouth and picked me up!
You may never find your self in a similar situation because ( admittedly ) it is not that common but one would think ones life would flash before their eyes and try to recall if one has enough points to get into heaven. Not me. Evidently I am not a deep thinker because all I recall thinking was "gee, I wonder how far my feet are off the ground?".
She only held me up for a few seconds pressing her tongue against my head holding me against her soft palate and sucking in ( elephants don't have incisors) then put me gently down. I had the presence of mind to tell her she did a "good job" and gave her all the carrots I had in my pocket.
When I looked at the old couple she was pale, he was holding her up and both their chins were a couple of feet south of their noses.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw a horse poop at the other end of the picket so I picked up a pitch fork and got back to work.
I wonder if she ever took that picture? 
That's one of those great memories that we won't ever do again.
Andy Bruner, post: 333065, member: 1123 wrote: That's one of those great memories that we won't ever do again.
So true.
You know Ringling will retire all the elephants at the end of this year.
Circus without elephants. Gee, thanks PETA.
What next? A four year degree requirement for clowns?
partychief3, post: 333120, member: 9053 wrote: What next? A four year degree requirement for clowns?
Well, to sit for the Bar Exam you need four years undergrad, then three years at clown college. 😀
