dictation's Diaryland Diary ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Funny the names these colossi are given Her name is Flora, she's of African origin, and she's been a circus act (a "big top" performer) most of her life. Her owner is compassionate and feels she deserves a decent retirement, so she's being transported to Tennessee today and tomorrow. When she arrives, she will become a third member of the African "herd." It's amazing how fast the facility is expanding. It's gone from seven elephants to twelve since last September. Of course, Barbara's passed, but she still counts! The residents in order of arrival are Tarra There might be another one coming from Alaska soon. Her name is Maggie and her growing skill as a rock thrower is gaining her a reputation. (Indeed, she's tossed a few boulders!) She routinely throws rocks at people who visit the zoo. The ignorant claim this is because she is "mean," but she's likely bored and fed up with her existence in an inadequate facility. Also, people can be really mean. Some will laugh and throw things at animals in cages. Elephants know when they are being mocked and they rarely tolerate it. I remember reading about an elephant in the Bronx zoo - Siri - who didn't hesitate to pick up dirt or rocks and throw them with deadly accuracy. Maggie's most recent keeper appears to really care for her and she likes him a lot. He's the first keeper she hasn't tried to squish into a pulp. It's probably because he's the first one to think of taking her out of her enclosure for long walks in the woods. He doesn't want her to leave, but she needs to go. Alaska is no place for an elephant. The weather alone keeps her indoors a good part of the year on a cold concrete floor. Ick. Like the good song says "if you love someone, set them free..." P.S. If you've never seen the movie Innerspace, rent it! It's old gold. Meg Ryan's first picture, too. I think it might have been Dennis Quaid's first pic - in any case, it's the film that brought them together as a couple. And Martin Short of Jiminy Glick fame is in it. Can't beat that combo. 7:58 p.m. - 2004-03-02 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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