Ringling Brothers Elephants Brunch

Growing up, I used to love to go to the circus. I was amazed by the performers, the clowns never scared me, and I fell in love with the animals. I loved all of the music, had every single circus-related toy (including that flashlight that you could wear around your neck), and at times wished that I could run away with them and become a performer. And yes, I did have a huge crush on Gunther Gaebel-Williams, that gorgeous lion tamer that performed with them.

As an adult, I now see things differently. Some of the animals are mishandled. Some of the performers are paid less than minimum wage, and are not allowed enough time off. Some of the performers are also in the country illegally, and risk being deported.

One of the most awesome things I ever saw was watching the Elephants come out of New York City's Holland Tunnel after they performed at the Meadowlands Arena. It was done in the middle of the night, so that there would not be traffic jams all over the place (there were), as well as keeping crowds to a minimum (there were a TON of folks there to watch this awe-inspiring event).

Today, watching the Ringling Brothers Elephants have brunch (consisting of a ton of fruits and vegetables, courtesy of Cheney Brothers Inc. in Orlando) and bread puddin' ice cream (courtesy of Blue Bell Ice Cream) is right up there with the Elephant Walk in NYC. I got within three feet of the elephants, and could not believe how gentle they looked. They scarfed down all the food in no time flat, and no, the elephants did *not* get brain freeze!

Here's the pictures of the Elephants Brunch, as well as the St. Pete Times Forum, where they'll be for the next couple of days.

Enjoy!