Animal Parade Marks Arrival of Circus

They didn’t glide down a red carpet, but the stars of the “Greatest Show on Earth” received a Hollywood-style welcome Monday in Anaheim.

Asian elephants, nine Russian horses, half a dozen miniatures horses, five white alpacas, a pair of miniature donkeys, two Scottish Highland cows and a goat named Uma mesmerized a crowd as they stepped off the circus train.

Karen, a 28-year-old elephant, led a parade of animals from the train to the Pond of Anaheim, where the 128th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey opens tonight and runs through Aug. 4.

“It’s a chance to see behind the scenes,” said animal escort David Solove, who took part in the Animal Walk.

Children pointed excitedly when a circus truck carrying tigers passed by before the Animal Walk. Jeff Hearley, 4, of Anaheim Hills, was most impressed by the elephants. “They’ve got big tails, big trunks and big ears!”

Despite the sweltering heat, Linda Tajik brought her 8-year-old son, Cameron, to see the display of circus performers.

“This gives you an up close view of the animals,” said Tajik, who lives in Anaheim Hills. “The [children] love it.”

Pam Gelvan, 35, of Aliso Viejo hasn’t been to the circus for years but wanted her children to get a first-hand look.

“I thought this was a good way to introduce them to the circus,” said Gelvan, who sat on the grass under the shade of an umbrella with Taylor, 8, and Chanel, 2. “They love animals.”

For Joyce Gallivan, 60, of Fullerton, who brought 5-year-old grandson Danny, seeing the extraordinary animals was a treat for both of them. “I’ve always wanted to do this--and now I’m satisfied.”

After all, Gallivan added: “The circus is universal. Everybody can get something out of it.”