at the water cooler

these three had just been unloaded from their trailer and were guzzling some water and stretching their legs...as much as elephants stretch anyway. in a way, i did go to the circus as i spent a couple of hours watching them set it all up. lots more here http://www.flickr.com/photos/62588297@N02/sets/72157629700217132/

[Carolyn White]

I knew this was going to be a fav, when I saw the thumbnail! Awesome pic, Richard!!! Now I need to look at your flickr pics. :0)

[Carolyn White]

WOW!!! I love all your pics! So cool! Now I want to run away and join the circus! :0)

[richard saffold]

@cjwhite they could probably use you and your trained butterflies.

[karenann]

A fav for me, chard. I love elephants ... they are such gentle creatures, I think. I don't like them in captivity (or any other wild animal either!) But there they are. You know, I don't even like zoos. I know, I'm a little weird, but I think that all wild animals should run wild. Oh I'm just on a little rant tonight, aren't I. Love your circus pics on flickr. How do you keep up with two sites? I can barely do this one! Have a great night and week-end, chard. :)

[Sheila]

Great, great photo!

[richard saffold]

@karenann i agree, but an elephant wouldn't have much of a chance with all the gun crazy rednecks around here. as for flickr, i don't do much there...hard enough to keep up with this site.

[karenann]

I know, chard ... they've become a target for the "crazies!" I'm just a softie for animals.

[Louise & Ken]

Put me on the "Softie for Animals" list, too...how wonderful to get close-up time with the elephants! I wandered into the neighborhood this evening and am so glad I stopped by. Best wishes to you...

[Dione Giorgio]

Lovely capture.

[Cindy List]

Neat capture - I'm sure they are glad to stretch their legs.

[richard saffold]

@Weezilou always good to see you in the neighborhood louise!

[Dorrena Ortega]

These giants are super smart. You will enjoy this story about a couple different herds who traveled many miles to mourn the death of the elephant whisperer. I haven't read a book in a long time but his book about these elephants and how he gained their trust is fascinating. I'm going to check out the library right now.

http://delightmakers.com/news-bleat/wild-elephants-gather-inexplicably-mourn-death-of-elephant-whisperer/

[richard saffold]

@dmortega amazing, ty for this link. we don't know as much about animals as we think we do.

[Dorrena Ortega]

@chard --- I think we do but we have been arrogant in our roles in this life. We may be at the top of 'this' food chain but that does not mean other animals are stupid or have no feelings. Quite the contrary. I have been thinking a lot lately about how many species live together without fear. The only time animals kill is to eat. Otherwise they do fine. They respect each other. I wish we could do that but I fear we will be the species to destroy everything. We are not a species to be easily trusted.

[Ruth Greene]

Very cool, love the shot, such majestic creatures!

[Juanita]

Lovely photo of my my favourite animal. I'm not a fan of circuses with animals but will pray these have a good life.

[Paula x2 Brumbe]

just what you expect to run across in Colorado

[Chris]

Like many I feel sorry for the animals but it is a fascinating picture. Your flickr images are great - seeing the tent being set up was very cool.