Big Ruth

ToddP has asked about Barnes Show "Ruth" RUTH 1910 Barnes first elephant 1910-38 Al G. Barnes Cicus 1939-56 Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey Circus 1957 Ringling Qtrs. Sarasota 1958-65 Eddie Billetti Shopping Center Show 1966 Sold to Puerto Rico (final disposition unknown) Doc Henderson's discription as being the "herd leader" is deceptive. She never led the herd anywhere but more accurately would be considered "the most reliable". She was the elephant that could be sent out alone to do things and you knew there would be no problems. As an example, on the Ringling Show she would dig furrows around the lot with a farm plow to bury light cables. Tho not real big, most of the other elephants were afraid of her for some reason which came in handy in case one should decide to act up and could also be a steadying influence on young elephants in training. She was very clever, I was fascinated when I saw one of the men throw his bull hook on the ground in front of her which she promptly picked up and manipulated until she had a grip on the handle and proceeded to scratch herself with the hook. First behind the ears then between her front legs and finally lifted her head high so she could scratch under her chin during which time she screwed up her face like a dog does when being scratched. This is a picture of her on the Barnes Show and I might add that she was prominent in the Tarzan Movies the Barnes elephants appeared in. I recall one scene she is carrying a man to safety (supposedly Tarzan) by the leg in this fashion.