Again sorry about Penelope !!

L. Records February 19, 2012 21:04:51 (EDT)

I'm not looking to return the message board to just Benson's people but to all who loved Benson's for what it was hopefully without being so judgemental.
Part of Benson's was circus. It is unrealistic to think young people were not inspired to care more for animals after seeing Benson's elephants, cats, bears,seals,chimps and others performing. While I was trainer there we got strongly positive feedback every day. A good education requires more than studying just a couple of subjects. You might not get much info about natural history or conservation directly. However much that can be absorbed by young minds. A zoo exhibit or lesson on a computer, while important, can not equal to the inspiration that can be forthcoming from some performances. I am not for unsafe power tricks or animals in human clothing. Performances can and should show animals natural abilities without being demeaning to the animal. Big cats leaping, rolling over, sitting up, leap-frogging over each other show their grace, speed, physical capability and ability to learn. The Himalayan black bears I trained at Benson's (Levi & Wrangler) loved to do their behaiviors. For apples Levi learned to roll on a barrel in one day. He sat in a child's swing and I swung him over my head. Was this beneath him? He couldn't wait to climb up and do it again. Do-gooders (yeah, I've had my share of people telling me my business)say elephant tricks are unatural. They balance, lay down, lift their trunks, lift their feet. spread their ears, sit up on their backsides and mount each other (hence: baby elephants)in the wild.Queen and Liz played the harmonica.Demeaning? Personaly I think children learned both of the elephant's ability to hold someting small with the two fingers on the end of their trunk and that they can breath and blow air in and out as well. The fact that it was entertaining in no way harmed the elephant. Music doesn't harm animals and I truly believe Queen, Liz and Jackie got into the act even more when there was a particularly enthusiastic audience. (I know I'm anthropomorphising and it's just my opinion.)What could more educational than sitting on an elephant's broad back and feeling her powerful muscles moving beneath you.
I was at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. recently.
I would imagine this to be an example of what Mr. A.would consider a responsible zoo. This is a non-contact zoo where the keepers are not allowed in with the elephants.For enrichment and excersize they have a long path going up a hillside. To get the elephant to utilize this a keeper baited it with greens and treats. I watched about 30 minutes and I bet they didn't get the pachyderm more than 60 feet. That is something I found to be sad. Some zoos think enrichment is hiding goodies around the exhibit.
Benson's elephants got to go to the lake for a swim each day in warm weather. In cooler weather we took them to a gravel pit on the property where they slid down embankments and tipped over small trees. They were in the daily parade. They had constant attention all year long. Mr. Provencher cared a great deal for the elephants and made sure I had all the time and help I needed to make their lives better.
I agree much of circus history has been terrible for animals. I'm just saying it can be done right. There needs to be growth and understanding and that training can and should be a good thing.I know there are MANY things I could have done better and I try to do better every day with the animals I now have.

Steve (webmaster) February 19, 2012 20:57:46 (EDT)

Penelope the Turtle, 1982-2012.

My dear turtle companion Penelope died from natural causes on Thursday. She has been part of the family ever since my then-two-year-old daughter found her as a hatchling in Robinson Pond. We have loved and cared for her all these years. She would have been 30 this summer. Penelope was full of spirit and curiousity. She was always watching for company and enjoyed having me sit near her and play with her. She loved joining in the activity when there were people visiting the house. She will be missed by many.

Bob Arctor February 18, 2012 20:33:36 (EDT)

What's the point of your post Larry? If you're so interesting in returning this message board to the Benson's people then why are you baiting Mercer? Larry Records opinion is obviously a little biased given the line of work he's in...

He's right about one thing, circuses and zoos are not necessarily cruel, just exploitative. It does all depend on the people. Major zoos have the benefit of ACTUALLY educating people about conservation and natural behaviors. I've yet to see a circus that has anything to do with actually helping animals or inspiring children to care about animals actual well being, rather than the tricks they can do. As for Mr. Records traveling "petting zoo" I could not say. But I assume it's nothing special.

You're all or nothing attitude ("I truly respect your view if you are a vegan, do not keep pets and would refuse life saving medical treatment developed thru testing on animals. Otherwise your high and mighty ideals make me want to barf.") is by far the worst attitude anyone can take toward an ideology. It's this kind of thinking that people use to reassure themselves that any kind of effort is pointless if it not the absolute most you can do.

As you can tell from the language he used, "do-gooders", "bleeding-heart", "animal rights activist", Larry has had some problems with people telling him "his business". For a man that knows all the counter-points, Larry may not understand the difference between the "animal rights" and "animal welfare" positions. Someone interested in either would object to Cole Bros. but not necessarily to a well maintained zoo, with caring people who are interested in conservation and education. Although Larry may call his rinky-dink operation a "zoo" it's just another circus.

Dana Sion February 16, 2012 17:55:45 (EDT)

Hello Anonymous(Urban Explorer),
The park is no longer abandoned and has become a passive recreational municipal park open for free to the public 365 days a year. (more details at www.facebook.com/bensons.waf).

You are more then welcome to visit the new Benson Park as it is called now however all buildings are now secured, alarmed and watched by the police and only open with special permission or if you are part of one of the many public clean up days at the park. In the future (if article #14 passes at the upcoming March 13 vote (2012) ) there will be a museum to the old park, concession stand and gift shop in the old Elephant Barn.

Why are many items about the old park noted as "Nashua, NH" it was because at the time Hudson, NH was much smaller then it is today and not well known at all and to mention the city of Nashua that it is next to was much more marketable.

For more details about the museum and park fundraising check out www.friendsofbenson.org (also on Facebook).
-Dana Sion

Larry R. February 16, 2012 15:28:46 (EDT)

I've been trying to stay out of this. But...

Good Lord! What a pile of BS.You do-gooders have no idea of the bond that can form between trainers and elephants and other exotics and the the benefit the animals can derive from the mental and physical excercise required in training for performing. Training and travel are not cruel. The important thing is how it is done.You can take great pride in knowing no child will ever again know the wonder of riding an elephant in New Hampshire.

I truly respect your view if you are a vegan, do not keep pets and would refuse life saving medical treatment developed thru testing on animals. Otherwise your high and mighty ideals make me want to barf. If you don't like the circus then don't buy a freaking ticket! Beyond that please leave this message board for FANS of Benson's . It was what it was. It's dead now. May it rest in peace.

After animal trainer Gunther Gebel Williams died an animal activist dressed in a devil costume danced on his grave. True story. Thats kind of what's going on here.

I am confident I know the bleeding heart counter point to everything I have written here.

My sincere thanks to Freinds of Benson's and the town of Hudson for the wonderful job they are doing in creating a beautilul park and preserving fond memories of a happier time. Now if they could just set up an animal rights activist filter at the entrance the place would be perfect.

Brad February 15, 2012 12:02:13 (EDT)

Thank you Wilbur Mercer for your comments. I too recall Benson`s as a child and have good nostalgic memories. To quote you:

"Take your nostalgia and remember the great times you have had with friends and family and Benson's, just don't forget to learn from the creatures that were taken away from theirs. We as a species are the product of millions of years of evolution and we have learned so much, especially recently. We need to start acting like it. Treat others as you would have them treat you. "

....is what i have learned as an adult that i had no awareness of as a child, But we need to know and share with other adults that we need to protect the animals, They are not willing volunteers. I would not let my children attend any circus with animals from what i have learned...and my children are all the better for it and know that they want the animals to be as happy as they are and enjoy the world we share with them.

Michael February 12, 2012 15:44:16 (EDT)

The Friends of Benson Park, Inc., hope to soon secure the purchase of Benson's Wild Animal Farm memorabilia. Help them secure a permanent home at the park: vote YES on article #14 in Hudson town elections in March of 2012.

Deb February 11, 2012 10:05:49 (EDT)

A little while back I found this site by accident & thru Friends of Benson's facebook page. I just wanted to say that I enjoy this message board for the insight and information that I would not find otherwise. I found the elephant sanctuary because of it and can watch the elephant I saw as a young girl at Benson's, that has spawned a great interest and as I discover more about these wonderful creatures, I share that knowledge with my young granddaughter.

So happy to hear about the good sized gift to the organization!

cheryl February 9, 2012 10:58:01 (EDT)

I don't think anyone considers anyone 'lowlings',
at Least I Hope Not.

I'm for....
No more Traveling Circus'

But we must agree to disagree
And
stop the bickering on this site.

The sun is shining brightly...
Get out and smell the fresh air !
Go to Benson Park if you have the time !

:) February 8, 2012 16:46:38 (EDT)

Thank goodness we have someone like a Wilbur Mercer to guide the rest of us through our ignorant ways. A burden has been lifted. We have his superior approval, so that of us 'lowlings' may continue on with our nostalgia. Now that we have moderately met his approval, we can again lift our heads with some degree of sentimental dignity. We may now proceed with our reminiscing and great memories per the yawning 'ok' of the Great Mercer. Pay heed, however, to his domineering threat of a mighty return, if we waiver from our sentimentally naive and ignorant ways:)

dottie February 8, 2012 16:21:36 (EDT)

i saw a message from you about bensons farm that said you are looking for a picture of your grandfather. he worked with betsy the elephant. i have a picture of my mother from 1933 getting on betsy there is a man helping her who looks like he works there do you think it could be him? if so i could scan picture and send it to you.thanks Dottie my email is mespringhill@aol.com

Wilbur Mercer February 6, 2012 18:35:26 (EDT)

Of course you can have your nostalgia Deb. I am certainly not trying to take that away from you folks. Times were different and standards were low. For enterprises like Cole Bros. standards are still low. I was completely behind the renovations at Benson's until a disgusting, abusive Circus came into the picture. We've learned so much about animal emotions and psychology since the days Colossus occupied his cell, I guess I was just hoping I wasn't the only one who's interested in moving forward. To use Cole Bros. cruelty to make money to pay homage to the lackluster conditions at Benson's is a double slap in the face to the animals that were forced to call Benson's "home".

Friends of Benson's claims that they have no intention of inviting Cole Bros. back to Hudson this year. As long as that remains true, this is the last you will hear from me on this message board.

Take your nostalgia and remember the great times you have had with friends and family and Benson's, just don't forget to learn from the creatures that were taken away from theirs. We as a species are the product of millions of years of evolution and we have learned so much, especially recently. We need to start acting like it. Treat others as you would have them treat you.

The Friends of Benson Park, Inc. February 4, 2012 14:39:13 (EDT)

For more Info. on how you can support Benson Park and the future Benson's wild Animal Farm Museum, Gift shop and concession stand please visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsBensonPark

The Friends of Benson Park, Inc. February 4, 2012 14:36:24 (EDT)

Be it known

It has been announced that The Friends of Benson Park Inc., has received a gift of $ 138,000 from an anonymous donor. The donor has stipulated that the money be used for the acquisition, display and housing of the large collection of Benson memorabilia owned by the last owner of Benson's Wild Animal Farm, Arthur Provencher.

The vast collection will form the basis for the intended museum which would be situated in the former Elephant Barn building which remains on the Benson Park property. A portion of the memorabilia was displayed at the former Hudson Library several years ago. It was well received with over 4,500 viewing the exhibition in over two weeks.

The acquisition of the Elephant Barn by the Friends of Benson Park, for use as a museum, will be decided in March 2012 by the citizens of Hudson voting "Yes" on a Warrant Article # 14.

It is important that voters know this transaction will involve no cost to the Town of Hudson and its tax payers. All expenses for acquiring the memorabilia, remodeling the building, and maintaining the museum will be the responsibility of The Friends of Benson Park, Inc.

The $138,000 donation stands as the kickoff for a major fund raising campaign to bring this outstanding museum to the Town of Hudson.

The Friends of Benson Park , Inc.
PO Box #91
Hudson, NH 03051
info@friendsofbenson.org

cheryl February 3, 2012 23:24:38 (EDT)

It's a great update on Liz.
and there's a sweet picture of dear departed Queen too !

It's the anniversary of them finding sanctuary in 2006.
What a nice feeling it is to know they made it there !!!!

Lisi February 3, 2012 19:35:43 (EDT)

There is a great (and thorough!) update on Liz at TES:

http://www.elephants.com/elediary.php

Michael February 2, 2012 22:16:31 (EDT)

PS... I'd really like to see this page grow. I know it's a lot of work, but someday I'd love it to be a true tribute to the Park in a virtual sense... like you click on the different attractions and each attraction has it's own page with pictures and history. Maybe people who worked there get a page. I've been trying to find pictures online, and I'd love to see more of the actual attractions, signs, buildings, animals, etc. Just a request. How do we send you stuff too?

Michael February 2, 2012 22:13:13 (EDT)

I've always been fascinated and somewhat obsessed with Benson's. I loved it growing up, and was terribly upset when they went under. I'm 29, so it's hard for me to believe that I was only 5 when they closed, yet I'm filled with wonderful memories. I wish there were more. Every now and then I check up on this site and others and have actually started my own little collection of memorabilia. For some reason the past few dyas I've been thinking about it a lot and reading up on it. I think a part of it for me is that I have memories of this really great Zoo and Amusement Park, that was busy, huge and full of animals... and now it's gone. There's little trace of what once was... a place where wild animals roamed and loads of happy people. It has someone of a mystical vibe now for me.

I think Benson's was a great place for most of it's existence and the majority of animals were cared for with love. I know there have been a lot of negative stuff on here lately, and I agree with some of the more recent postings. Things like the lack of space (notably the Gorilla house) we now know to be horrible, but that wasn't lack of love or purposeful abuse. It was ignorance. It's something we learn from, and of course if Benson's were there today, they would have expanded those sections. It's no different than ost other Zoos at the time. That doesn't make it right, but I think the intent gets lost on here.

There are those who are against the idea of zoos in general, but Zoos are important to educate and expose children and adults to these animals. I didn't end up being one, but for years I wanted to be a vet, in large part because of Bensons. I still have a strong love of animals, and I'm sure those animals at Bensons over time were responsible for giving us lots of Veteranarians, and animal supporters. I feel like animals in zoos are "taking one for the team" for the better of the animals of the world. At the same time, I think they are shown love and are treated well for the most part. And the zoos of today are getting better and better at that.

Sorry for the long email... I've just been in a strange place with Bensons the past few days. I do really miss it. I miss the memories and even more so , I miss what I don't remember. I miss the scenery that I couldn't possibly remember. Just needed to vent. Thanks.

Nicole January 30, 2012 18:39:26 (EDT)

I am desperately in search of at least one photo with my late Grandfather in it!. He worked for Benson's and took care of the Elephant Betsy. I'm not sure the exact years he worked there, but it has to be after 1950 and before 1970. His name is Roy "chick" Shikrallah. Thank you for your help!