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REGIONAL/PROVINCIAL Post a comment | View comments (3) | View latest comment | Last updated at 8:48 AM on 16/06/08 Circus animals OK after truck transporting them crashes near Daniel's Harbour (Updated) DANIEL'S HARBOUR The Canadian Press Two camels and an elephant are seen near the overturned tractor trailer that was transporting them when it crashed in Daniel’s Harbour. — Chrisie Keeping Photo Residents of Daniel’s Harbour were treated to a free Father’s Day circus Sunday, when a tractor trailer carrying an elephant and two camels crashed while going through the community. No one was seriously injured in the accident, but volunteer fire departments from Daniel’s Harbour and Parsons Pond had to use the jaws of life to free the animals from the wreck. Const. Daniel Murrin, of the Port Saunders detachment of the RCMP, said the driver of the truck was taken to a clinic in Norris Point to be treated for minor injuries and released. The exotic animals were tended to by a provincial veterinarian who specializes in large animals, as well as the province’s Wildlife Department. The animals have since been penned in an area of the town, surrounded by an eight-foot high, wire fence, Const. Murrin said. The animals, part of a travelling circus, were being trucked from St. Anthony to Deer Lake when the driver took a detour through Daniel’s Harbour. Terrilynn Carey said she woke up to a call from someone telling her about the unusual animals in the community. She said she and many members of the community spent most of the day at the site. The early morning rescue effort was tense, she said, as the crowd that gathered didn’t know if the animals were OK. “There was a bit of crying first because the elephant wasn’t moving when they used the jaws of life to get the top off the trailer,” she said. “When he or she got up it got up slowly and was looking around and was very calm. I think it liked the attention. It was posing for pictures.” Const. Murrin said one of camels had some cuts and bruises and the elephant was a bit disoriented following the accident, but came around quickly. Circus staff were on the scene throughout the day and the owners were planning to arrive in Daniel’s Harbour Sunday evening, Const. Murrin said. Police are investigating the single-vehicle collision, said Const. Murrin, adding that roads were dry and visibility was excellent at the time of the accident. Police remained on the scene for much of the day to control traffic and wait for appropriate towing equipment to remove the reinforced steel trailer. “Pretty much everybody came by to have a look,” Const. Murrin said, admitting that this is one of the oddest calls he’s ever responded to. Carey agreed it was an odd event, but she said her community is getting used to unusual experiences. Last year, a house tumbled 30 metres down a cliff as landslides claimed the edge of the community and forced several residences to be evacuated and, eventually, destroyed. It’s was also home to former Miss Canada International — and Playboy model — Danielle House, who lost her title after being convicted in 1997 of assaulting a woman in a bar. “It was a big surprise, however, you don’t ever know what’s going to happen in Daniel’s Harbour,” she said. Carey said another trailer also stopped at Daniel’s Harbour, carrying a zebra and a Newfoundland pony. She said her two children, aged 3 and 7, were initially worried about the animals and driver, but when they found out everyone were OK they were delighted to be treated to the exhibit. “Are they ever excited,” she said. “This is a Father’s Day that won’t soon be forgotten.” Photos by Chrisie Keeping

16/06/08

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Deer Lake Spectator from Newfoundland writes: I attended the Deer Lake 3:00 session of the Travelling Circus yesterday with mixed feelings. It was not until we arrived at the Hodder that we were informed that there would be no animal acts. Imagine!!! A circus without animals, I was sorely disappointed as were many others in attendance (adults only it seems). When the show began there were no sad faces or tears from the children when the clowns began their entertainment. The other artists, jugglers, fire breathers and all were spectatular shows and left everyone excited. Until this morning, I was under the impression that the circus included lions and tigers jumping through fire rings, but reading that the only animals en route were 2 camels and an elephant, I am happy they were not there, I can't picture an elephant jumping through a fire ring!!! The show was spectatular and the children loved it. Which it the ultimate goal.

Posted 16/06/2008 at 8:09 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment

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Deer Lake resident from Nl writes: I think the town of Deer Lake should be asahmed of itself for having any part to play in an activity that supports cruelty to animals. There is no other way to describe cramming an elephant and two camels in a trailer and dragging them all across Canada. These animals should be in the wild and not in cages. Its too bad the elephant didnt get loose in the community when they ahd an accident and create some havok for residents. Then again, if that happenned authorities would probably just shoot it, so that wouldn't be a good idea after all. I commend forward thinking communities like Corner Brook, and St. Johns for having the sense and guts to ban such acts of cruelty form their community. I guess once again in Deer Lake all the town thinks about is money at the moment and not long tern consequences. Shameful!!!

Posted 16/06/2008 at 11:07 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment

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West Coast Teacher from NL writes: This is just one of the many many things that are morally wrong with circuses involving animals. Shame on Deer Lake, Stepehnville, and St. Anthony for hosting such an event. These animals are not meant to be performing, they are meant to be free in their natural environments. What, are we in 18th century England? Wake up people and start realizing the effects of your actions!

Posted 16/06/2008 at 1:28 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment

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