Oh puhleeezze Bill! I totally agree with this article: http://synalia.com/2011/11/viva-la-circus-down-with-morans-bill/ The vast majority of us will only see animals such as elephants and lions in zoos and circuses. These animals have enriched our lives immensely. I grew up with the Portland Zoo, which is renowned for its pioneering elephant breeding program.

Back in 1976, I went to a RB&B performance in Albuquerque at the NM State Fairgrounds. Gunther Gebel Williams put on an incredible show with both his elephants and his big cats. The faigrounds are a considerable distance from the Santa Fe yard where the train was parked. As we drove home down Central Ave (Rte 66,) we passed the procession of elephants walking down the street. There was Gunther leading the elephants with his head heald high and an exultant look on his face, something I will never forget.