Circus makes a trunk call to city centre

SHOPPERS on Cork’s bustling St Patrick’s Street were treated to a true high street giant when a circus elephant went on a walkabout.

Kenya, a five-tonne African elephant, was in town yesterday afternoon to promote Australian Super Circus Sydney based at Cork’s Showgrounds.

The 22-year-old female was accompanied by jugglers, circus girls and company manager Jan Erik Brenner, who doubles as Fips the clown.

“We exercise her most days, but this time we took her in a different direction and walked her into town,” said Brenner.

“The crowds loved her. We call her a gentle giant. She’s well used to people and has grown up with them. She’s been with us since she was small.

“Kenya really enjoyed it as people were bringing out bananas for her. We wouldn’t bring her into town if she didn’t enjoy it.”

He said there was no danger to the public, as the circus trusted her to go on such walkabouts.

The garda control room at Anglesea Street, Cork, reported no trouble from the elephant, which drew large crowds as she strolled along the city’s main thoroughfare.

Ted O’Connor, an inspector with the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, said circus animals such as Kenya would be well accustomed to seeing large crowds.

“They are very tame and have been bred in captivity and they’re among circus people.

“I don’t condone circuses having animals, but the ones at the Showgrounds seem to be fine.”