Saturday, March 25, 2006

"Samson" and Scott Riddle/ LA Zoo 1983


On the subject of big elephants, I don't think they get much bigger than this one.

Posted by Buckles at 3/25/2006 06:37:00 AM

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

The SEEING EYE dog I care for is named Sampson. He had to be kept especially clean. I don't bath working dogs if I can help it. I use a feminon[?] product called Summers Eve to dampen the hair and brush really really good. The vinigar and water leaves the hair smelling good and looking shiny. I learned this trick from the Rescue Dog Club as there is never running water at a desaster area and the dogs must be kept clean for their mental health.

25 March, 2006 07:53
Anonymous said...

Go to a store and buy this product by the case and watch the people stare at you and get funny looks.

25 March, 2006 07:55
bakeliteradio said...

Does anyone have any info about the Riddle's elephant sanctuary "Experience Weekends." I'm a student in the writing program at the University of New Orleans and am working on a series of essays on "American Amusements" which includes Vaudeville, the Minstrel Tradition and the Circus (Baseball, too...I was a bat boy for the SF Giants as a kid)....anyway I'm very interested and want to know more about it. Also, might anyone have a small pamphlet published soon after Black Diamond's execution called something like "The True Story of Black Diamond..." I saw it on ebay but lost the auction at the last minute. I'd love to have a copy. For the record I'm having a ukulele built with an elephant in the headstock and a black ebony diamond on the fretboard...my "Black Diamond Special" I'll send you a picture when it's finished. Any info or help appreciated.

25 March, 2006 10:30
Buckles said...

If you check the column at left you will see a link to Arkansas Elephant Sanctuary.

25 March, 2006 10:41
bakeliteradio said...

Buckles, I've contacted them, I was just wondering what kinds of things happen...if anyone can flesh out the info about the weekend.

25 March, 2006 10:44
Buckles said...

The setting is something like an encampment as though you were on Safari.
You live in a tent-like structure right in the center of the compound and can observe the entire operation starting with the elephants being brought from their overnight quarters to their designated areas.
Some are taken to the outdoor pens of the Breeding Program while others are simply turned loose in the 500 acres of wooded area.
You have access to the daily routine involved and which concludes when the herd is called in for the night.

25 March, 2006 11:11
bakeliteradio said...

Worth $700?

25 March, 2006 11:13
Buckles said...

When I used to give elephant rides I was sometimes asked "How far do I get to ride for $5" I would point to the rock about 100' away and say "Around the rock and back" most people just wanted their picture taken anyway.
To those who complained I would always say "It's the novelty of have ridden a living, breathing elephant. If you want to travel a vast distance you call a Taxi Cab".

25 March, 2006 11:35
Anonymous said...

The way this bull is standing, it looks like the statue that is in the Smithsonian Natural HIstory Museum and as tall or taller..cc

25 March, 2006 17:34
Anonymous said...

http://www.nydailynews.com/city_life/story/402727p-341102c.html

25 March, 2006 17:49
Anonymous said...

Somewhere I have a photo my daughter Karen took of Scott and myself standing next to Samson. I'm 6'1" and use to looking at an elephant's mouth. Looking up at Samson's chin was quite an experience.

25 March, 2006 18:56
GaryHill said...

How old is he and when did he come over? I always wonder what happened to the rest of the 25 I brought over in 74. I know where 9 of them are but thats all?

27 March, 2006 10:01
Anonymous said...

I have seen this photograph in a German elephant book.
I can not read German,but I believe it said this photograph was taken at the Los Angles zoo in 1984 and Samson was 335 cm high at the shoulder(about one fourth of an inch short of eleven feet).
I dont believe Samson is listed at the Los Angles zoo anymore.
Anyone know what became of him?
There appears to be the suggestion he went to Mexico.

30 March, 2006 16:17
GaryHill said...

Thanks Karen, Cozumel was great it is amazing how much damage the storms did last year tho! I finally got my puter cleaned up, had a bad bug from my son downloading music??? Anyway the 25 came from Karuma Game Reserve in Uganda, E. Africa. I had them at the Great Adventure Safari Park in Jackson, NJ. There is only 8 of them left there. One male went to Japan a few years ago. Hope you have a good time at the show tonight! Best, Gary

31 March, 2006 00:04

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