Elephant Encounter entertains and educates
By Bob Robinson

GREENVILLE – “They aren’t circus animals, they’re family,” said Bill Morris, owner and operator with his wife Cindy, of Elephant Encounters. 

Morris introduced Cora, a 9,000 lb. Asian elephant, and Shannon, a 6,500 pound African elephant, to a packed audience at the 5 o’clock show Aug. 22 at the Great Darke County Fair. 

“This is a once in a lifetime educational opportunity,” he said. “Watch their antics and learn their personalities as you meet them, one on one, eye to eye.” He began providing some basic facts and information about the two species of elephants. 

The average elephant lives 70-80 years but some can live to 100,” he told them. Elephants only have four teeth and they get six sets over their lifetime. He showed them an elephant tooth. It was bigger than his fist. 

In addition to weight, Morris differentiated between Asian Cora with her small ears and African Shannon with his large ears, adding however they both have sensitive skin an inch thick. 

“They can feel a fly,” he said… then demonstrated by tickling Cora. She reacted as he’d promised she would. 

Morris talked about their amazing intelligence as Cora “listened” patiently, munching on straw and watching the audience, then asked for a volunteer. A dozen kids raised their hands. 

Gabrielle Balcom, Greenville, was the ‘lucky’ youngster. She – and the audience – were about to learn that Cora was musically inclined. Gabrielle held a horn to Cora’s mouth… Cora blew a loud blast a few times. 

“I forgot to tell you,” Morris told Gabrielle, “you’d probably get a little elephant spittle.” Cindy gave Gabrielle a cloth and helped her wipe her hands. 

“You know, Gabrielle, Cora always gets a treat when she performs.” Miller handed her the treat. Cora opened her mouth wide. “Go ahead, stick it in her mouth… way in… all the way.” 

The brave little girl did as she was asked and got an ovation from the audience. Cora enjoyed her treat. 

Just as Morris was about to begin talking about Shannon it started to rain. He told the audience he would cut the educational portion short and bring the elephants out to perform. Shannon made his appearance and the two elephants began their performing routine. 

As many in the audience started to leave for cover Morris said, “We will also give anyone who wishes a ride. We don’t do this for everyone… just the people who come to watch our shows.” 

Umbrellas popped out. About half the audience stayed as the drizzle became a steady light rain. 

Story courtesy of The Early Bird 

To see a complete set of photos of this event click the Community Events Photo Gallery