Friday, September 30, 2011

The circus has arrived in Wellington


Aaron Norton.

Spectators feed apples to the Elephants Thursday morning.

By Aaron Norton

Wellington Daily News

Posted Sep 29, 2011

Wellington, Kan. — The Carson and Barnes Circus has officially set up at Worden Park. Along with clowns, tightrope walkers and jugglers, the show has several attractions to enjoy.
Isa, a 42-year-old Asain Elephant, will be giving rides before the show. Darren Carey, Isa’s handler for the last 15 years, said the 8,500 lbs. animal is able to carry several people at one time.Also before the event, ticket holders will have the opportunity to enjoy the circus’ petting zoo.
The petting zoo has several animals, including alpacas, camels, and a zebu—- A relative of the water buffalo native to India.
Patrons also have the chance to see a pygmy hippo named Kelly. Standing at only three feet tall, Kelly is one-fourth the size of her larger cousins.


Aaron Norton Circus workers unfold the "big top" tent at Worden Park.


Along with the circus, Carson and Barnes also runs the Endanger Ark Foundation-- A preserve founded in 1993 to help care for elephants. Their facility in Hugo, Okla. houses the large animals year-round.
With 27 Asian Elephants, Carson and Barnes have the second largest herd in all of North America.
The performers will only be doing two shows before they pack up, one at 4:30 P.M. and one at 7:30 P.M. Tickets are available at the gate. Adult tickets cost $18 and children can get in for $10.
Event organizers are asking that circus goers do not park on Hillside for the show.

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