PUNCH-DRUNK PACHYDERMS: MOSCOW CIRCUS BOOZING UP ELEPHANTS

PUNCH-DRUNK PACHYDERMS: MOSCOW CIRCUS BOOZING UP ELEPHANTS

MOSCOW (Wireless Flash) -- You've heard the saying "drunk as a skunk" -- well, what about drunk as an elephant? Elephants at the Moscow Circus have taken a tip from Russian president Boris Yeltsin: they're enjoying a nip now and then between shows. Circus trainers have discovered that the best way to keep skittish elephants calm during long train trips across Russia is to give them a few bottles of vodka and cognac. The trainers say the cocktail-calming technique is very effective and much cheaper than using Dumbo-sized Valium. But not everyone thinks liquoring up nervous nellie elephants is a good idea. Exotic animal expert Dr. Angela Lennox of the Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis says it's a dangerous practice because some of the animals could end up with alcohol poisoning.

CONTACT: Dr. Angela Lennox, ****; Indianapolis, IN; (317) 879- 8633