Marking a first for the organization, Brattleboro’s Strolling of the Heifers is planning to feature their newest acquisition in this year’s parade – 42 Asian elephants.
“We were watching the accelerated retirement of the Ringling elephants and realized they needed a new home quickly,” said a spokesperson for the Stroll.”Why not southern Vermont?”
The organization admits the concept seemed a bit far-fetched, but “with climate change expected to raise local temperatures to a suitable level for the elephants over the coming years, it began to make a lot of sense.”
Heifers will continue to be in the parade.
Reaction by local residents varied. “I’m concerned that their mission is drifting,” said one shop owner, “but it could be a way to bring new people to town.” A nearby 10 year old thought that it would be good for the elephants to come to Brattleboro “because the people here like elephants and would be nice to them, I think.”
The former Ringling performers will arrive by train in late May and will be kept at the fields near Brattleboro Union High School until their debut at the parade in early June.
After strolling, the elephants will be allowed to roam free throughout a new sanctuary being established in the Retreat woods.
Foolish endeavor
The last elephant to pass through the area did not fare well. http://www.ctriver.org/the-what/ #Horatio
PETA bait?
Elephants were featured in circus parades in Brattleboro well into the 20th century. It would be interesting to check old newspaper ads to figure out when the last elephant was paraded up Main Street.
When I saw this original post, my first assumption was that Chris was luring the “Bare Skin — Don’t Wear Skin” PETA activists back to town. (https://www.ibrattleboro.com/article.php/20071004131339979)
LOL?
April Fools?
One day
I understand that BS&L will be sponsoring an annual Baby Elephant Adoption Day once the refuge gets underway.
Good one!
Ha! I allowed myself to be excited for about 3 or 4 seconds….
KAlden appointed!
Local elephant experts have formed a committee to make certain that the herd will receive proper care.
The committee has established bylaws for both members of the committee and for the elephants. The elephants will form a subcommittee and report back to the full committee with their recommendations. A public hearing of residents and elephants will take place in the Selectboard room to take comments on the work. BCTV will broadcast the presentation live.
I accept!
I would be delighted to be in charge of the elephants. Just no meetings with Selectboard, please!
Elephants
Phew, i’m glad this is a joke because I can feel my blood boiling, I was going to free those elephants.
Just in...
Activists have begun organizing and plan to protest.